Douglas Lunnemann
Managing Partner
Division: Restaurant
Location: Kentucky, Ohio (Southern)
Douglas Lunnemann
Managing Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Kentucky & Southern Ohio
Phone: (513) 854-1880 | Email: douglas@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-lunnemann-674a79126/
About Douglas
Douglas Lunnemann is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Kentucky & Southern Ohio market. Douglas’s focus: Restaurant recruiting; casual dining operations background.
Background & Experience
17 years in the casual dining industry; joined as a server assistant and progressed with Texas Roadhouse through Service Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Managing Partner roles; Managing Partner of the Year Finalist.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Kentucky & Southern Ohio.
How Douglas Evaluates Talent
I take the time to have honest conversations with candidates about what is not working for them in their current role or with their current employer. Then we deep dive into their experience using real-world scenarios based on my own understanding and background in the industry. I carefully evaluate their passion for the industry, their whys, their knowledge base, and what they need for a long-term successful match, along with their references. Using that information, we can discuss current opportunities that would be a good fit for them, or keep an open dialogue until that perfect opportunity is available to present.
Douglas’s Market Perspective
The Ohio and Kentucky markets are continually evolving, with a strong blend of established corporate concepts and private restaurants. Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, and Lexington have shown they can support a variety of dining concepts, from QSR to white tablecloth. The constant, regardless of style of service, is that Ohio and Kentucky residents spend their money where they feel the food and service add value and experience to their lives. There is strong competition between brands to offer industry professionals higher salaries, balance, support, and long-term development.
Advice
For employers: Have a clear understanding of the role you are asking to fill, from compensation and training to how you measure success.
For candidates: Understand why you are open to opportunity and what realistically would move the needle for you.
In Douglas’s Words
“Time is the most valuable thing we have, and communicating effectively will save you loads of it.”
Testimonials
“Working with Doug was the best decision I made on my job-hunting journey. In the beginning, he took the time to find out what I wanted and was looking for in a new career. He focused on that and brought multiple opportunities my way, which ultimately landed me a great position that checked all of my boxes, and then some. I would work with Doug 10 out of 10 times if I had to do it again. Thanks for everything, Gecko.”
Larry B. (Successfully placed candidate, August 5, 2026)
“Gecko Hospitality’s Douglas was an outstanding and diligent recruiter from start to finish. From our very first conversation, he demonstrated genuine care, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. He took the time to learn about my background, career goals, and the type of role I was seeking rather than simply pushing openings. Douglas stayed in regular contact, provided clear updates, and offered practical advice that helped me prepare for interviews and present myself more effectively. His follow-through was excellent; he never left me wondering about the status of an opportunity and always responded promptly to questions. Working with him felt collaborative and supportive rather than transactional. I truly appreciate the effort and attention he invested in my job search. I would confidently recommend Douglas and Gecko Hospitality’s services to anyone seeking employment in the hospitality field. His diligence, integrity, and commitment to candidates make a real difference.”
Rikk B. (Successfully placed candidate, July 31, 2026)
“Doug was phenomenal to work with. He did his absolute best to communicate clearly and was understanding of my career goals and needs. Doug stayed in touch with me from start to finish. It’s not every day that you feel as though the recruiter you are working with actually cares, and he did. Doug made me feel as though we were on a team.”
Stacey W. (Successfully placed candidate, June 30, 2026)
Douglas Lunnemann
Managing Partner
Division: Restaurant
Location: Kentucky, Ohio (Southern)
Douglas Lunnemann
Managing Partner, Gecko Hospitality
Restaurant Division | Kentucky & Southern Ohio
Phone: (513) 854-1880 | Email: douglas@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-lunnemann-674a79126/
About Douglas
Douglas Lunnemann is a restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the Kentucky & Southern Ohio market. Douglas’s focus: Restaurant recruiting; casual dining operations background.
Background & Experience
17 years in the casual dining industry; joined as a server assistant and progressed with Texas Roadhouse through Service Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Managing Partner roles; Managing Partner of the Year Finalist.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: Kentucky & Southern Ohio.
How Douglas Evaluates Talent
I take the time to have honest conversations with candidates about what is not working for them in their current role or with their current employer. Then we deep dive into their experience using real-world scenarios based on my own understanding and background in the industry. I carefully evaluate their passion for the industry, their whys, their knowledge base, and what they need for a long-term successful match, along with their references. Using that information, we can discuss current opportunities that would be a good fit for them, or keep an open dialogue until that perfect opportunity is available to present.
Douglas’s Market Perspective
The Ohio and Kentucky markets are continually evolving, with a strong blend of established corporate concepts and private restaurants. Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, and Lexington have shown they can support a variety of dining concepts, from QSR to white tablecloth. The constant, regardless of style of service, is that Ohio and Kentucky residents spend their money where they feel the food and service add value and experience to their lives. There is strong competition between brands to offer industry professionals higher salaries, balance, support, and long-term development.
Advice
For employers: Have a clear understanding of the role you are asking to fill, from compensation and training to how you measure success.
For candidates: Understand why you are open to opportunity and what realistically would move the needle for you.
In Douglas’s Words
“Time is the most valuable thing we have, and communicating effectively will save you loads of it.”
Testimonials
“Working with Doug was the best decision I made on my job-hunting journey. In the beginning, he took the time to find out what I wanted and was looking for in a new career. He focused on that and brought multiple opportunities my way, which ultimately landed me a great position that checked all of my boxes, and then some. I would work with Doug 10 out of 10 times if I had to do it again. Thanks for everything, Gecko.”
Larry B. (Successfully placed candidate, August 5, 2026)
“Gecko Hospitality’s Douglas was an outstanding and diligent recruiter from start to finish. From our very first conversation, he demonstrated genuine care, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. He took the time to learn about my background, career goals, and the type of role I was seeking rather than simply pushing openings. Douglas stayed in regular contact, provided clear updates, and offered practical advice that helped me prepare for interviews and present myself more effectively. His follow-through was excellent; he never left me wondering about the status of an opportunity and always responded promptly to questions. Working with him felt collaborative and supportive rather than transactional. I truly appreciate the effort and attention he invested in my job search. I would confidently recommend Douglas and Gecko Hospitality’s services to anyone seeking employment in the hospitality field. His diligence, integrity, and commitment to candidates make a real difference.”
Rikk B. (Successfully placed candidate, July 31, 2026)
“Doug was phenomenal to work with. He did his absolute best to communicate clearly and was understanding of my career goals and needs. Doug stayed in touch with me from start to finish. It’s not every day that you feel as though the recruiter you are working with actually cares, and he did. Doug made me feel as though we were on a team.”
Stacey W. (Successfully placed candidate, June 30, 2026)