Stephen Koch (1961-2006), Manager, Product Development And Technical Services, The Steak N Shake Company

(Tuesday, February 21, 2006) - We are saddened by the passing of our friend and associate Stephen Koch on January 1, 2006.

Steak n Shake was one of the most fortunate restaurant chains in America for almost twenty years: Stephen Koch led the development of new products and ensured operational processes were optimized. To many, he was known simply as "Chef."

"Not only was he a dedicated worker with an amazing ability to persevere," said Peter Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Steak n Shake, "he was a warm, wonderful man, with whom it was a pleasure to spend time."

For a company known for innovative food, he oversaw innovation. For a restaurant revered for its operations and beloved for its consistent delivery, he was a tireless manager and a disciplined supervisor. And for legendary food -- which just this year won the prestigious Master of Taste (Maitre du Gout) award from the Chefs in America Awards Foundation -- Stephen was Head Chef.

Koch (pronounced 'cook') is German for "cook." Rarely have a Christian name and a man's natural gifts been so perfectly matched.

Stephen joined the company in 1987. Legend has it that Ed Kelley, then the CEO, regularly dined across the street from Steak n Shake's corporate offices at The Majestic restaurant and loved the food so much that he demanded to meet the head chef -- then hired him. Stephen was that man. Working at first for Kelley's Consolidated Specialty Restaurants, Stephen quickly became indispensable as a guiding force for Steak n Shake.

"Stephen controlled that kitchen. He knew every inch of what happened around here, and was always trying to explore alternatives, just to make sure we were making our classic food to the industry's best practices," said Gary Reinwald, Executive Vice President of Operational Development, who worked alongside Stephen his entire time at Steak n Shake. "And while he was here, he was a major force for helping grow Steak n Shake."

During Stephen's tenure, the company grew from $93.5 million to $606.9 million. He contributed to every new product Steak n Shake introduced since 1987; a partial list includes: Specialty Sandwiches like the Philadelphia, the Pepperjack, Tuna, and All-American Melts, Premium Topping Steakburgers, Side-by-Side Milk Shakes, Eggnog and other Holiday Milk Shakes, Sippable Sundae Milk Shakes, and Fried Chicken Salad. He also helped craft the secret baked bean recipe that makes our bean crock so beloved.

"We depended on Stephen to create and bring new products to life at Steak n Shake. He always found the right combination of ingredients, operational considerations, and great taste that made all of our recent innovations successes," said Doug Willard, Vice President of Consumer Insight and Innovation.

Because of his total understanding of how a Steak n Shake kitchen operates, his industry knowledge and insight, and his ability to appreciate business challenges as well as consumer behavior, Stephen was an important contributor to an on-going operational redesign. He led training, and mentored many Steak n Shake associates, whom he treated with a mixture of gentle respect, rigorous instruction and genuine friendship.

Stephen also guided and advised practically every food photo shoot and television commercial made in the past nearly two decades. His eye helped present Steak n Shake food to the public correctly, but beautifully.

"Stephen was a friend, and a vital resource for us from day one as we brought images of Steak n Shake food to the public," said Jeff Laramore, executive creative director and founder of Young & Laramore, advertising agency for the Steak n Shake brand since 1990. "He understood the products so well, we relied on him to help us stay accurate. But we also knew he knew how to make the food look good. And we always enjoyed the time spent working side by side with him. He was a true friend."

His altruistic nature was evident in the hours he donated to Second Helpings. As always, he gave the sense that it was "no problem at all," that his contribution to the cause was something he did simply because it was the right thing. "He had a commitment to volunteering," said Peter Dunn. "And he made a significant contribution of energy and skill to Second Helpings. Stephen spent his whole life going 'over and above.'"

And, in the long hours, in whatever role he found himself, Stephen often made a seamless transition from an alert, avid, selfless and never-exhausted businessman, to an avuncular, funny friend with endless anecdotes ranging from his time serving the Porsche family in Germany to the latest humorous take on life at work.

Posthumously Stephen will receive a Master of Taste (Maitre du Gout) award from the Chefs in America Awards Foundation. The award states that it is in recognition of "the culinary excellence of your foodservice organization." The panel of judges includes prestigious names from across the country, including many non-Steak n Shake markets where, presumably, those judging were not influenced by the restaurants' heritage and were basing their award solely on the quality of the food.

Stephen Koch was, and will always be, famous for Steakburgers. But his legacy as a man, a businessman, a friend, and of course, "Chef," will always be much more.

About Steak n Shake

Steak n Shake is a full-service, casual dining restaurant serving a core menu of its famous Steakburgers, thin 'n crispy French Fries and old fashioned hand-dipped Milk Shakes. Menu variety includes sandwiches, such as the Turkey Melt and the Grilled Chicken Breast, as well as Chili, home style soups, fresh salads, a variety of desserts and breakfast. All of the food is prepared to the guest's order and served by friendly, well-trained associates. Steak n Shake restaurants feature full-service dining areas, counter service and drive-thru windows. Restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

http://www.steaknshake.com

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000606/STEAKLOGO )

SOURCE The Steak n Shake Company

Douglas D. Willard, Vice President, Consumer Insight & Innovation of The Steak n Shake Company, +1-317-633-4100

View all Steak n Shake Press Releases

This article has been read 341 times.

Printer Friendly