Davanni’s Leader Inducted into Hospitality Hall of Fame

A legend of Plymouth-based Davanni’s has been inducted into the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Ken Schelper’s first job was as a dishwasher for the Edina Kitchen in 1961. He started working for Davanni’s—then called Pontillo’s—when it launched in 1975. A year later, the owners asked him to work full-time as the manager of their first restaurant.

He helped open several other locations then joined the corporate staff in 1980.

“During these formative years, Schelper was instrumental in formulating the company’s business philosophies, creating the company’s training system and materials, operations manual, employee handbook, food preparation manual, personnel policies and recipes,” a news release stated. “As the company matured, many of Schelper’s projects were recognized as progressive and innovative models for the restaurant industry.”

Schelper also helped with the development of the Davanni’s bakery, Oven Hearth—and was responsible for starting the Xcel Energy Center concessions business with the Minnesota Wild and for Davanni’s entry into the retail market.

He officially retired as vice president on Jan. 1 after a 38-year career with Davanni’s, although he is still an independent sales representative and consultant for the company.

Schelper’s been involved with the Minnesota Restaurant Association and Hospitality Minnesota for 21 years. He’s been on the association’s board since 1995 and was president in 2001. He has also been a director on the Hospitality Minnesota board for the past six years.

The Minnesota Restaurant Association recognized Schelper and four other individuals and companies at its gala Nov. 25.