Larry Abrams - Driving hospitality forward through culture, care, and creativity

With a recipe for success that starts with high-quality 100% fresh ingredients, NEXDINE Hospitality has solidified its place as an industry leader in dining and hospitality. At the forefront of this evolution is Larry Abrams, President and Managing Partner, recognized as one of the top leaders of 2024, who shares insights into the company’s journey and vision for the future.

Serving Delicious and Nutritious Options Across the U.S.

Choosing the right dining and hospitality service provider is a critical decision – one that influences guest satisfaction, seamlessly delivering healthy and flavorful options. This is precisely where NEXDINE Hospitality excels, seamlessly delivering healthy and flavorful options across diverse sectors, including senior living, healthcare, corporate dining, and education.

Co-founded in 2009” by CEO David Lanci, NEXDINE set out to create a workplace that attracts the most talented and passionate hospitality professionals. Today, with a team of over 2,000 colleagues and a presence in more than 100 client locations nationally, the company embodies a holistic approach to hospitality.

“Hospitality begins with our culture and colleagues. This philosophy underpins every decision we make and is a cornerstone of our growth,” says Larry Abrams, whose leadership continues to elevate NEXDINE’s status as a trusted partner in dining and hospitality services.

A visionary leader Driving Industry Innovation

Larry Abrams’ journey in hospitality began early, shaped by his family’s involvement in the industry, with over 30 years of experience delivering nationally recognized dining and hospitality programs with a culture and people-first mindset.

Abrams has brought his expertise to NEXDINE, driving innovation and high-quality service nationwide.

“Each day in this industry brings new opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. I’m energized by the chance to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences for our guests,” Abrams shares.

Under his leadership, NEXDINE has expanded its offerings to include services beyond traditional dining, such as housekeeping, laundry, and facilities management through its XENDELLA brand; pop-up dining experiences; and innovative wellness programming like the Live Forward healthy platform, which integrates the five dimensions of well-being.

Breaking New Ground in Dining Experiences

One of Abrams’ key focuses is aligning NEXDINE’s services with evolving consumer expectations. The company’s commitment to 100 percent fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through initiatives like its chef-curated pop-up restaurants, which transform dining into an immersive experience with themed menus, décor, and ambiance.

Adding to this innovation is the SnackWise program, offering balanced snack options designed to boost energy and focus, catering to students, workplace guests, seniors, and patients alike. “The versatility of SnackWise across the populations we serve is truly exciting, showcasing our ability to meet diverse needs while maintaining quality,” notes Abrams.

Empowering the Future: Education and Career Advancement

Education and career advancement “We don’t use a cookie-cutter approach; instead, we design solutions tailored to each partner’s vision, goals, and needs.” Abrams emphasizes. This flexibility has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.

Education also plays a pivotal role in NEXDINE’s future, with new programs integrating experiential learning to empower students to make informed dining decisions. Abrams underscores the importance of fostering future leaders while building opportunities for current colleagues through career advancement—a key element of the company’s people-focused culture.

A Bright Future with Larry Abrams at the Helm

As NEXDINE continues to redefine dining and hospitality, Abrams’ visionary leadership ensures the company remains at the forefront of innovation and service excellence. With recognition as a Top 50 Foodservice Management Company and accolades for revenue growth, NEXDINE is poised for continued success.

“Our growth is more than a milestone; it’s a tool for creating opportunities and delivering on our promises to colleagues, clients, and guests,” Abrams concludes. His leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence make him a standout leader of 2024, steering NEXDINE toward an exciting and transformative future.

What sets NEXDINE apart in the supply chain?

Larry Abrams, President and Managing Director of NEXDINE, explains:
NEXDINE’s greatest differentiator lies in its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Unlike many others, the compnay’s local menus drive procurement – not the other way around.

Chefs at NEXDINE are empowered to showcase their creativity by crafting menus that highlight fresh, seasonal, and regionally inspired ingredients. While the company leverages national partnerships to ensure purchasing power and strong vendor relationships, it remains focused on delivering regionally specific and specialty solutions that resonate with local communities.

An example of this is a location in Bronx, New York, where the team conducted a blind tasting of local bagel shops. The entire community participated in choosing their favorite-because, for New Yorkers, bagels are more than just breakfast; they’re an institution. Today, NEXDINE orders dozens of fresh, hot bagels daily from the selected local shop, fostering a meaningful partnership with its owner.

“At NEXDINE, vendors are seen as partners, not just suppliers. The company prides itself on building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with both its clients and vendors.”