Hospitality/Tourism: NEEL DESAI

Desai founded S2K Hospitality, a management and development company focused on fast-casual dining, with his lifelong friend, Bijal Patel, last year. According to a news report, the S2K name is a combination of the initials of Desai’s daughters, Savi and Seva, and Patel’s daughter, Kayla.

In March, S2K announced a 10-store franchise deal with Dallas-based Super Chix Chicken & Custard. The first Virginia location is expected to open toward the end of 2022 in Williamsburg. S2K also manages four Which Wich sandwich franchises and two Your Pie franchises in the Hampton Roads area.

As a managing principal for S2K, Desai oversees strategic growth and development for the company.

Additionally, Desai is managing principal for LTD Hospitality Group, a Virginia Beach-based hotel development and management company. Desai joined LTD in 1998 shortly after graduating from George Mason University with a degree in accounting and finance. Over the years, Desai has worked in every department of the business from marketing to sales.

Desai holds an MBA from Old Dominion University. He sits on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia.