Bio:

Joe Blanton is the Founder and CEO of Stone Commercial, a nationally recognized leader in restaurant real estate, specializing in helping corporate, franchised, and regional brands strategically identify, secure, and scale high-performing locations across the United States.

With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Joe brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective to every client engagement. He began his career in elite kitchens, training under world-renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller, where he developed a deep understanding of operations, execution, and the nuances that define successful restaurant concepts.

He later expanded his expertise on the supply chain side with Sysco, North America’s largest foodservice distributor, gaining critical insight into restaurant economics, scalability, and infrastructure.

In 2010, Joe co-founded Krush Burger, an international fast-casual concept, where he experienced firsthand the challenges and responsibilities of building, franchising, and growing a restaurant brand. That experience continues to inform his approach today—because he’s sat in the operator’s seat and understands what’s truly at stake.

As CEO of Stone Commercial, Joe leads a team that has become a trusted growth partner to some of the most ambitious restaurant brands in the country. Through the firm’s proprietary CLEAR™ system, his team delivers a disciplined, data-driven approach to site selection, lease negotiation, and market expansion—helping clients scale with precision and confidence.

Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from California State University, Chico and a culinary degree from French Culinary Institute. Joe served in the USMC Reserve after graduating from high school.