Leggett Taps Private Sector Executive Robert Dorfman to Head County Department of Liquor Control

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 19, 2016

County Executive Ike Leggett today moved to put the County’s Department of Liquor Control under new management by appointing Robert M. Dorfman as director of the County liquor business, which generates nearly $21 million annually in profit to County taxpayers while better protecting public health and public safety.

Dorfman, who lives in North Potomac, brings to the table a broad range of private sector experience and proven turnaround skills.

Dorfman served in several senior level executive positions at Marriott International. Among those, he was President of Host International, the world leader in airport, travel plazas and sports and entertainment food and beverage operations (responsible for $1.5 billion in annual income and 25,000 employees.) He was the nation’s second largest franchisee of Five Guys (operating 35 locations in Florida, Texas, and Ohio), and was President and Chief Operating Officer of TrustHouse Services Group, the sixth-largest contract services company in the United States.

Most recently, he served as Managing Partner of two World of Beer franchises in Virginia.

“Bob Dorfman has been a success wherever he worked, “said County Executive Ike Leggett. “He is just the leader we need to bring private sector experience to the Department of Liquor Control. He will take the important improvements we have already made in bolstering sales and customer service and take them to the next level. This is a leader who thrives on challenges – and that is just what we need.”

“The County’s Department of Liquor Control has already taken some very meaningful steps to address previous issues and concerns,” said Dorfman.  “I’m looking forward to adding my experience and expertise, from years of success in the private sector, to further strengthen the Department’s important role in servicing the needs of its customers, and positively enhancing the financial benefit to the County.”

The mission of the Department of Liquor Control is to provide licensing, wholesale and retail sales of alcoholic beverages, enforcement, and effective training and education programs. The annual budget is $63 million and the department employs about 300 full-time and 160 part-time employees. The Department generates about $280 million in net sales. That amount covers all the department’s expenses while also paying off $11 million in outstanding bonds and contributing $21 million to the County’s General Fund. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the County Council.

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Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield 240-777-6507