A Philadelphia native, Ben Fileccia has established himself as an industry leader in hospitality, operations, and advocacy. He has spent the last 20+ years cultivating a valuable network and expanding his reach by supporting and collaborating with restaurants across the East Coast. Fileccia has opened seven restaurants in his career, managed front-of-the-house, back-of-the-house, and strategically improved guest experience by implementing modern hospitality practices. He brings invaluable restaurant expertise and a depth of knowledge to the table.

Fileccia’s high-level, authentic hands-on practices have brought him, and the concepts he’s worked with, multiple accolades, including many at Sbraga Dining, where he was Director of Operations previous to his role at the PRLA. It was with Fileccia as General Manager that Esquire awarded Sbraga Dining “Best New Restaurant” in 2012, Philadelphia Magazine named it “50 Best Restaurants,” and he earned himself the title of Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly: General Manager” in 2014. Previous to Sbraga Dining, Fileccia worked with the critically acclaimed Vetri Family of Restaurants, managing and overseeing Osteria and Amis Trattoria. Under Fileccia’s control, Amis was nominated for the James Beard Best New Restaurant 2011.

Fileccia is currently the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association and lives in Philadelphia. During his tenure at the PRLA, Ben has received the National Association for Catering & Events 2021 Industry Hero Award,City & State's 2021 Philly Power 100,recognizing Philly’s top political power brokers and influencers, City & State's 2022 Pennsylvania Fifty Over 50,which honors the most prominent leaders in government, business, and media over the age of fifty, and City & State's The 2023 Labor Power 100in recognition of his efforts to get Pennsylvania back to work after the pandemic.