Meet Our Team

Scott Morison

Scott “Scotty” Morison is the principal owner of Browns Restaurant Group. He’s responsible for brand concept and restaurant design, and he’s heavily involved in all programs and initiatives that shape Guest experiences, including our music program, menu development and more. As Scotty likes to say, “If it involves the senses, it involves me.” With an uncanny ability to forecast emerging trends – and Guest needs and preferences – Scotty’s instinct is to always focus on delivering great experiences to ensure the ongoing health of our Brands.

With a lifetime of restaurant experience under his belt, Scotty is an intuitive visionary that perceives and anticipates the needs of targeted demographics. From his ability to design beautiful rooms that people want to socialize in (and about), to his amazing problem-solving skills (honed through opening dozens of cutting-edge restaurants) and beyond, Scotty is always living his mantra: “There is no finish line.” Scotty looks for ways to do things better, every single day.

A patient, optimistic and “social” soul that thrives off challenges and believes in celebrating both successes and failures (because we can learn from both), Scotty largely attributes his creativity and innovation to his travels around the world.Prior to the conception of Browns Restaurant Group, Scotty created and operated the successful Café Cucamonga’s, a sandwich and ice cream parlor. Scotty was also trained as a chef at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Scotty enjoys being in nature, surfing and travelling. He also gets huge satisfaction from experiencing new restaurant concepts wherever he goes.

Chairman & CEO

James MacFarlane

In 2017, James MacFarlane joined Browns Restaurant Group as Director of New Brands. His primary mandate was to work with the team on creating and launching new restaurant brands within BRG. From early 2017 to spring of 2019 James lead the development and launch of two brands, Browns Crafthouse and Liberty Kitchen.

After developing the new brands James started working with the larger team on the Browns Socialhouse business. In 2021 James was named Chief Operating Officer for the company, encompassing all brands, franchise operations and corporate restaurants. Recently in 2024, James has stepped into his new role as President.

At work James is most passionate about food, customer service and being a leadership nerd. At home on the North Shore James loves to cook, spend time on his mountain bike and hang out with his beautiful family.

Favourite thing to cook: Parsnip and Pancetta Tagliatelle

President & COO

Bruce Fox

Executive Vice President - Business Development

Bruce oversees Business Development activities at Browns Restaurant Group. This includes the Real Estate, Franchising, Design, Construction and Corporate Marketing departments, as well as corporate legal + finance affairs.

With over 40 years of foodservice and hospitality experience – most of it with well-known Canadian franchise chains. Bruce has acted as Chief Operating Officer for a number of growth companies, including Red Robin Restaurants of Canada, Good Earth Cafes, OPA! Souvlaki and Boston Pizza International to name a few.

A dedicated sailor, Bruce is also passionate about the world of food and wine. When he isn’t on the road for business or pleasure, Bruce enjoys travelling the world in search of the perfect meal.

Favourite place to go sailing on vacation: The Gulf Islands!

Mary Lynn Tardelli

Mary Lynn joined Browns Restaurant Group as VP Finance & Administration in July 2020, and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of finance & accounting, human resources, and IT. She is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in franchised food & beverage companies, including Boston Pizza International and Red Robin Restaurants of Canada.

Mary Lynn holds a CPA designation and lives in North Vancouver with her family. In her free time, you can find her in the running or riding in the north shore trails!

Favourite Socialhouse meal: Loaded Nachos

Vice President of Finance & Administration

Chris Svensson

Chris joined the BRG team as Director of Operations in 2015. With over 39 years of industry experience under his belt, Chris’s passion for fine dining and service runs deep. His expertise lies in systemizing and catalyzing the growth of brands, with a notable achievement in scaling the Socialhouse brand to new heights during his tenure.

In 2023, Chris became the Vice President of Operations. Where his focus is mainly on overseeing BRG’s regional team, corporate restaurants, franchisee support and relations, driving current & new restaurant systems and operations including Training and Development.

Favourite activity outside of work: Playing hockey or walking his dog Larry.

Vice President of Operations

Scott Ward

In 2009, Scott Ward joined Browns Restaurant Group during it’s infancy stage of becoming a franchise model system. As a 40+ year industry veteran, Scott spent time in a variety of executive positions with the organization, helping define and fine tune the operating platform of the company. In 2016 Scott was named President and Chief Operating Officer where he continued to steward the organization including a successful navigation through a once in a generation worldwide pandemic. In the spring of 2024, Scott appointed a new President to position the company for ongoing growth and prosperity. He will continue to provide guidance on strategic initiatives and key business decisions on a part-time basis while he directs more of his time to his family and other career interests.

Scott is passionate about food, wine, hockey and music. When he is not eating a great meal or sipping fine wine, Scott can be found enjoying a bit of “down time” with his wife, son, and two dogs Sam and Walter.

Favourite California Cabernet Sauvignon: It’s a tie! Chimney Rock Winery or Cliff Lede Vineyards

Senior Business Advisor


Our Corporate Team boasts over 200 years of combined experience in the restaurant business, and their knowledge of (and enthusiasm for) the industry is impressive and unparalleled. As our team grows, we continue to look for the right fit; lots of energy, ambition and an ability to think outside the box. Most of all, we look for life-long learners that know there is “No Finish Line” (NFL) when it comes to finding exceptional ways of doing every single thing we do, every single day.

Executives & Senior Management

  • Chairman & CEO - Scott Morison

  • President - James Macfarlane | email

  • Executive Vice President - Business Development - Bruce Fox | email

  • Vice President of Finance & Administration - Mary Lynn Tardelli | email

  • Vice President of Operations - Chris Svensson | email

  • Director of Design & Construction - Ian McRae | email

  • Director of Supply Chain Management - Dave Mackie | email

  • Director of Special Projects - Matthew Hoag | email

  • Director of Culinary Development - Michael Steh | email

  • Director of Culinary Operations - Stuart Cooper | email

  • Director of Operations - Hawaii - Ryan Anderson | email

  • Senior Business Advisor - Scott Ward | email

For all HR-related concerns, please send a detailed email to corporatehr@brownsrestaurantgroup.com

* These are our corporate contacts only. If you wish to apply for a position in our Socialhouses please contact the location directly