As president of Orlando-based Bahama Breeze, UF MBA alumna Laurie Burns (MBA 1986) helps thousands of Americans enjoy a Caribbean getaway every day right near home. Bahama Breeze is one of the restaurant brands in the portfolio of casual dining powerhouse Darden Restaurants.

Unlike today's MBA students, Burns entered the MBA program immediately after earning her bachelor’s degree in finance (she was also an All-American golfer at UF). Burns earned her MBA in 1986 (in finance and real estate) while working as an assistant coach for her former team. The degree paid off immediately; Burns was hired at graduation as real estate manager for Taco Bell. After 10 years in positions with Taco Bell and Applebee’s, she was named vice president of development for Homestead Village, where she was instrumental in expanding the hotel chain from 15 to 115 locations.

Burns joined Darden Restaurants in 1999 as vice president of development for Red Lobster. She soon advanced to senior vice president of development for the overall corporation and was promoted to her current role as president of Bahama Breeze in 2003.

"As president, my primary responsibilities are to create and communicate a clear vision for the Bahama Breeze brand, lead the development of the company's strategic direction and business planning, and make sure we have a strong, innovative team in place to execute our strategy—which we do, I'm proud to say!" Burns said.

The chain currently has 23 locations with expansion expected soon. Due to her real estate background, Burns is "very involved in our site location strategy, prototype design, and construction plans," she said.

Bahama Breeze ranks among the top four U.S. casual dining brands in overall guest satisfaction.

Since Bahama Breeze features a warm and vibrant Caribbean ambiance, it is crucial that guests are provided with a relaxed dining experience.

"A few years ago we did consumer research that indicated waiting a long time for a table is the most stressful part of dining out," Burns noted. "So we put together a comprehensive program that includes call-ahead seating, a system that lets us more accurately estimate wait time, and more spacious waiting areas with comfortable couches and chairs, island artwork, and tropical plants."

Waiting customers can enjoy drinks, appetizers, and live Caribbean music on the all-weather outdoor decks or in the large, lively bar area.

"It’s all about giving guests more control over when and how they choose to wait for a table," Burns noted. "This program enables us to better deliver on our brand promise, which is providing a Caribbean escape that enables an island state of mind."

Lessons from her MBA studies still resonate with Burns, who says that one of the key things she took away was an understanding of how to create effective teams.

"I learned that you first have to create and clearly communicate a compelling vision of the team's purpose and goals, then focus the team on the right priorities to achieve the vision. That has served me very well at Bahama Breeze, where we have tremendous brand clarity, a common vision, and an engaged team."

One example of Bahama Breeze's teambuilding is its "Best of the Best" program. In March 2006, the top service employee from each location was taken to Puerto Rico for a Caribbean adventure. "The program's goal was to motivate and engage our servers and bartenders and reward them for excelling in guest satisfaction."

In addition to experiencing local culture, they also participated in team building challenges, and met with top company executives to share brand building ideas.

"My experience at UF, and specifically the MBA program, made a significant difference in my career," Burns said. "Not only did I learn the critical skills it takes to be successful in business, but I also formed lasting friendships with many of my fellow students, and with faculty members, who have been a great resource to me over the years."

One faculty member Burns won't forget is Dean John Kraft. Then associate dean, he recognized her skills and talent, but realized she was hesitant in presenting herself due to her limited work background.

"He [Kraft] went out of his way to do a videotaped interview with me because he was concerned my abilities were not coming through to interviewers," she recalled. "After that, I got second interviews every time. He helped me see that even though I didn't have work experience, I could show leadership through my work with the golf team, and how to tie it all in with academics."

Burns has tried to honor her UF MBA experience by staying involved with UF and the Warrington College of Business Administration.

"I've really enjoyed seeing how much the MBA program has grown and evolved," she said. "It's especially exciting to see the MBA program's reputation and ranking grow at the national level."

Burns' professional success epitomizes the foundation of the UF MBA program's well deserved reputation.