Ian Schneider was born in Brooklyn, NY and currently lives in Lake Mary, FL. He has been CEO/President for Chianti Pizza & Pasta since 2011, and previously was Vice President of Planet Hollywood’s Earl of Sandwich. He held positions with other international brands including Sbarro, The Great Steak & Potato Co., and Hershey Foods Friendly Ice Cream.
Ian graduated from the State University of New York with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. He also earned an associate degree in Restaurant Management from State University of Cobleskill in New York. He attained the distinction of FMP, a food management.
professional designation from the National Restaurant Association which is equivalent to a doctorate in the restaurant industry.
Ian’s commitment to education runs deep. He teaches SERV Safe and Staff Safe, certifying restaurant managers and staff in safe food preparation, and he served on the Adult Literacy League of Orlando as a volunteer tutor and was appointed to their board of directors for four years.
Ian has a firm commitment to Seminole County and currently operates three restaurants here. He co-founded the County’s annual Veterans Memorial Luncheon and has sponsored the St. Johns River Festival of the Arts for the past 8 years. As a Rotarian, Ian tirelessly gives back to his community, and he has been a dynamic participant with the Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce where he currently serves as Board Chairman/President.
Ian is the unofficial Sanford-Longwood “Fire Chief Chef”, ensuring that during hurricanes or other local emergencies, First Responders are fed and cared for with the least economic impact to taxpayers. As an Eagle Scout, he has participated in both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts events. Ian was just awarded the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship Award from the Longwood City Commission.
Ian collects certain types of religious memorabilia as well as vintage and automatic watches. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his kids and friends.