Full Course, the industry’s only incubator and accelerator for early-stage food brands, has appointed Edna Morris to join its board of directors.

Morris is a restaurant industry veteran with experience across numerous brands. She has served as President of Red Lobster, Blue Coral, Wild Wing Cafe, The James Beard Foundation, and CEO/Partner of Range Restaurant Group. 

“Edna has always been a believer in and an advocate for the idea that organizations prosper and succeed best when there is a diversity of engaged people at all levels,” says Lauren Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Full Course. “Her experience on the front lines of restaurant ownership, executive leadership expertise, and extensive professional network will take Full Course to new heights.” 

Full Course is not the only board that benefits from Morris’s expertise. She chairs the Board of Tractor Supply Company and is a past member of public and private Boards, including Cosi, Einstein Noah, PF Chang’s, Wild Wing Cafe, and Backyard Burger. In each of these roles, she has brought, or brings, her unique ability to blend and balance markets, financial needs, and organizational culture into sustainable business success. Morris is an advisor to three early-stage companies: Byte Kitchen, Luther Dryers Lemonade, and Topsail Steamers. Additionally, she served on the Board of Trustees for the Culinary Institute of America.  

“I thrive on being part of organizations committed to excellence, empowerment, and inclusion,” says Morris. “I love being able to use everything that I've had the opportunity to experience, learn, and do over the last 40+ years and bring that to bear in new situations.” 

Morris has been dedicated to helping women and people of color advance in the restaurant business for decades. She is the founding president of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, a 35-year-old organization committed to optimizing the use of women’s talents at the highest levels of an organization. “The 11 founders loved this industry, and we wanted a fair shot, but it was not happening. I’ve known for years that we have a strong pipeline. The C-suite should be more welcoming to women and people of color,” says Morris. “Much research shows higher levels of financial success for companies with diverse leadership teams.” 

“Someone once asked if I bet on the horse or the jockey, i.e., the leader or the concept,” says Morris. “I'm betting on both: Lauren as the leader and Full Course as the concept she is creating. It is substantial and provides brands and their founders with roots and wings. I’m excited to share this opportunity with others, particularly the exceptional female executives I have known. I believe in what Full Course is doing and the sustained impact it will make.”

Morris says, “I am honored to join a board comprised of fellow industry leaders and advocates, including John C. Metz, Jr. of Sterling Hospitality, Meredith Sandland of Empower Delivery, and Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation.” She will serve a two-year term and support the growth and expansion of Full Course and its investments.