Meet Our Julie and Rudi Flik Rising Stars

Julie and Rudi’s paths crossed in San Francisco in the mid-1960s while both were working at the Hilton Hotel — Julie in banquet sales and Rudi in foodservice operations. Julie, a graduate of the Cornell Hotel School, had already distinguished herself through Hilton’s banquet sales training program in Chicago before relocating west to oversee banquet sales for a new property. Their connection was immediate, rooted in a shared ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for hospitality. They married in 1965 and soon began building not only a family, but also a vision for the future.

After a brief experience managing an inn on Long Island, the Fliks realized their aspirations extended beyond innkeeping. While raising their three children, they continued pursuing their dream of creating a hospitality company grounded in exceptional food, outstanding service, and genuine care for people.

That dream became reality in 1971, when Rudi founded FLIK International Corp., now FLIK Hospitality Group. Combining Rudi’s culinary vision with Julie’s business acumen and leadership, the company quickly established itself as an innovator in hospitality management. What began with a single account grew into a nationally recognized organization operating coast-to-coast across multiple divisions. In 1995, Compass Group acquired FLIK Hospitality Group, with Julie and Rudi continuing to lead the business for several years following the sale.

Long before wellness and nutrition became industry priorities, Julie and Rudi recognized the important role food could play in health and quality of life. They championed wellness-focused dining programs, specialized nutrition services, and innovative menu development designed to better serve clients and guests. Their forward-thinking approach helped redefine expectations for corporate dining and hospitality services nationwide.

The Fliks remained deeply committed to education and mentorship. Julie served on Cornell University’s Council and the President’s Council of Cornell Women and was inducted into the Cornell Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2004. Julie also served as the President of the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM) and on boards for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Together, Julie and Rudi established an endowment supporting faculty travel and professional development at the Cornell Hotel School, ensuring future generations of hospitality leaders would continue to learn, grow, and innovate.

Together, Julie and Rudi Flik built far more than a successful company. At their core, the Fliks were pioneers, mentors, and builders — individuals whose legacy is defined not only by what they created, but by how they made people feel: valued, inspired, and empowered.