Former Starbucks exec joins board for emerging fast casual RASA

RASA, the Indian fast-casual restaurant that was named a 2022 Breakout Brand by Nation’s Restaurant News, has named former Starbucks chief operating officer Troy Alstead an independent member of its board of directors, the brand announced Tuesday.

“We are honored to welcome Troy to the RASA Board of Directors. His deep understanding of operational excellence, growth strategy, company culture, and new market expansion will help us to accelerate our growth plans and improve both our team and guest experience,” said Sahil Rahman, CEO and co-founder of RASA. “He is a visionary leader with a passion for culture and sustainability and his unique understanding of small business, alongside his global experience and perspective, will be invaluable for us as we build our team and pursue our mission of making Indian cuisine accessible and sharing flavorful healthy meals with our communities.”

Alstead’s experience building brands from the ground up includes 24 years at Starbucks, last serving as the company’s COO. Prior to that, he served in a number of operational, general management, and finance roles. Since leaving Starbucks, Alstead founded Ocean5, a sustainability-focused entertainment and events venue and Table 47, a restaurant focused on responsible sourcing and operations, where he still serves on the board.

Related:Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod, co-owners of fast-casual Indian restaurant Rasa in Washington, D.C., on being part of the solution during coronavirus

He also serves as a member of the board of directors for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Levi Strauss & Co., OYO Global, and previously served on the board of directors at TopGolf.

“I am fortunate to be able to serve on the boards of a number of incredible companies and am very selective about which I am part of. They must have clear opportunities for profitable growth; strong values; a commitment to having a positive impact on people and the environment; and passionate, innovative, talented leaders,” said Alstead. “From my first introduction to RASA, it was apparent that the company and leaders embrace all of those qualities and commitments. Rahul and Sahil’s entrepreneurial drive, commitment to building their business in a sustainable way, and powerful vision introducing authentic, delicious, and nutritious Indian cuisine in a more approachable and fun way make me excited to be a part of the team and to contribute to bringing their vision to life in more and more communities.”

RASA has 4 units and is based in Washington, D.C.