Collins Hospitality Society Director of Fundraisers
Russ Bendel, Jr. ’05
Operating Partner, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Russ Bendel Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia and currently lives in Mission Viejo, Calif. A resident of California for 20 years Mr. Bendel earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The Collins College of Hospitality Management at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
For the past 12 years, Mr. Bendel has held numerous positions with OSI, serving six years with Outback and the past six years with Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar, where he successfully opened the Fleming's in Rancho Cucamonga in 2007 and is currently the operating partner of the Newport Beach location. Mr. Bendel holds a Wines of the World Certification and is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
In his free time, Mr. Bendel enjoys spending time with my family and friends, jogging, relaxing at the beach, dining out, comedy shows and sporting events, including watching his favorite sports team, the Philadelphia Eagles. He currently holds the positions of president of the California Restaurant Association Orange County Chapter. Mr. Bendel was elected as the Collins Hospitality Society’s founding vice president and currently holds the director of fundraisers position.
Fleming's has helped Mr. Bendel continue learning and studying wine and food. He continues to enjoy donating time to the hospitality industry to help support the growth of the next generation and learn from the current one.
Russ Bendel, Jr. '05