Harrison DuBosar – Restaurantware

Restaurantware is an industry leader in sustainable food service products and is strongly committed to reducing its environmental impact. The company has taken proactive steps to ensure its operations align with sustainability best practices in a world where natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce, and biodiversity is threatened.

Harrison DuBosar | Restaurantware | Chief Legal Officer

These initiatives include systematic assessments and optimizations of its products’ environmental impact, continuous environmental training for employees, and engagement with business partners, scientists, and civil society organizations to find solutions to ecological challenges.

The Ships In Own Container Program is a key initiative in Restaurantware’s sustainability journey. This program eliminates unnecessary packaging by delivering products in their primary packaging without an outer box. Given that over 80 billion corrugated boxes are used annually in the U.S., Restaurantware’s innovative approach is projected to save more than 175,000 boxes annually.

Harrison DuBosar, Restaurantware’s chief legal officer, is at the heart of these efforts. Since joining the company in April 2024, DuBosar has played a pivotal role in shaping its legal function while reinforcing its sustainability initiatives. With extensive experience in litigation, contract management, and regulatory compliance, DuBosar has ensured that Restaurantware’s sustainability commitment is a corporate vision and a legally sound and enforceable strategy.

“With today’s current environment of lightning-fast changes to technology and the everyday regulatory frameworks that govern, we have the opportunity not just to adapt but to use new tools to our advantage. This has aided in the creation of the company’s first legal department,” DuBosar says.

Building a legal function

DuBosar’s journey to becoming Restaurantware’s first in-house legal counsel has been unique and strategic. Before joining the company, he served as its outside counsel at South Florida firm Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, where he represented Restaurantware in litigation and gained an in-depth understanding of its internal operations. Before that, he worked in private practice at his family’s law firm. His experience in both private practice and as outside counsel positioned him as the ideal candidate to lead the company’s legal department.

Transitioning to an in-house role was a natural progression for DuBosar, who was drawn to Restaurantware’s culture, people, and mission. He enjoys the challenge of being the first to build out the company’s legal department and sees his role as critical in streamlining internal legal processes.

“It took some time to get people to understand why I was here and what I can do for the company,” he explains. “But once they realized the value of having an in-house counsel, it became clear that this was the right move for both me and the company.”

As a department of one, DuBosar oversees all aspects of legal affairs, including litigation management, contract negotiation, vendor and supplier agreements, and intellectual property protection. One of his primary focuses has been developing internal legal processes and contract management tools that ensure efficiency and compliance.

“What can we streamline? That was the conversation at the beginning,” he notes.

By implementing structured contract review systems and monitoring emerging regulations, he ensures that Restaurantware operates within legal frameworks while remaining agile and competitive.

One of DuBosar’s key responsibilities is managing Restaurantware’s intellectual property portfolio and overall brand. Restaurantware’s brand identity and intellectual property rights are paramount.

“Our trademark portfolio and name, Restaurantware, are our biggest concerns in terms of protection,” he says. “We place considerable weight on the fact that the consuming public has come to know and understand the Restaurantware brand.”

Navigating legal complexities

Beyond legal structuring, DuBosar plays a crucial role in advancing Restaurantware’s sustainability goals. His legal expertise helps the company navigate complex regulatory landscapes related to environmental impact, packaging laws, and international trade compliance. His work ensures that Restaurantware can maintain its commitment to sustainability without facing legal hurdles that could compromise its mission.

“Sustainability starts with the product,” DuBosar explains. “We source every material carefully and understand where it comes from. We are an eco-friendly and sustainability-focused company, but we’re not forcing it on anyone. If that appeals to our customers, then that’s great.”

His role in this initiative involves reviewing regulations related to sustainability, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, and working closely with other departments to integrate eco-friendly practices into business operations.

DuBosar also tackles broader legal challenges, including data privacy and internet security. As Restaurantware operates internationally, it must ensure compliance with privacy laws, international and domestic.

“We operate worldwide, so privacy laws remain a focus,” he says.

His proactive approach to these legal concerns helps Restaurantware protect customer data while maintaining transparency and trust.

Litigation remains another significant aspect of his role.

“Active litigation has dominated a lot of my time, and I’m still acting as second chair in one of the matters,” he shares.

Despite the unpredictable nature of legal work, DuBosar thrives in the fast-paced environment.

“There’s always something new every day, and I’m working on things I never thought I would,” he says.

He takes a structured approach to managing risk and compliance, staying ahead of regulatory changes by monitoring legal developments through keyword alerts and engagement with industry interest groups.

A vision for the future

DuBosar sees his position at Restaurantware as more than just a job—it’s a long-term commitment.

“This is my project,” he says. “It was the right opportunity at the right time with the right people.”

Unlike many attorneys who move from one corporate role to another, DuBosar is deeply invested in building and growing the company’s legal function.

“I don’t have the itch to solve one problem and move on. This company is growing, and I want to grow with it.”

His experience working alongside his father gave him a strong legal strategy foundation. He says his dad gave him the education and work ethic of a 15-20-year attorney in his first five years. That early training gave him the confidence to transition from working with a large legal support team to becoming a solo legal department within a rapidly expanding company.

DuBosar also enjoys balancing his life outside of work. He is an avid golfer and musician, and he loves spending time with his son, who shares his passion for music. His ability to navigate high-pressure legal environments while maintaining a personal life is a testament to his adaptability and resilience.

As Restaurantware continues to expand its product lines and global reach, DuBosar remains focused on scaling the legal department to meet future demands.

“We’ve got a good handle on things, but as we grow, there is always potential to add to the team,” he acknowledges.

With his leadership, Restaurantware is well-positioned to navigate the complex intersection of legal compliance, sustainability, and business growth, ensuring that it continues to lead the food service industry with innovation and responsibility.