Richard J.S. Gutman, an arts and design professional recognized nationally for his expertise in all things “diner,” has been named executive director of the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Archives & Museum.

The Johnson & Wales University Culinary Archives & Museum, established in 1989, is one of the premier institutes devoted to preserving the history of the culinary and hospitality industries. Its collection of over half-a-million items represents five millennia of global history.

In his role with the University, Gutman will develop and secure new exhibitions. He has previously served as guest curator for the popular current exhibit, Diners: Still Cookin’ in the 21st Century, which features the Ever Ready Diner, a 1926 Worcester lunch car. The exhibit is a fascinating history of diners, an American institution which began in Providence.

In his capacity as executive director, Gutman will continue to expand the Museum’s activities. “It’s wonderful to be a part of this still-young museum and Johnson & Wales University,” Gutman says. “Over the coming year, I look forward to raising awareness of the Museum and the significance it has to the history of food and the culinary arts. The Culinary Archives & Museum has so much to offer people of all ages and from around the world– and it’s right here in Providence.”

Gutman has traveled extensively lecturing about one of his favorite passions – diners. He is the author of American Diner Then and Now, and numerous articles. He has consulted across the nation advising those who want to start up their own diners. Throughout his travels, he has retrieved historic diners from demolition, relocated many, and worked on the restoration of 70 diners nationwide.

Some of Gutman's other projects include design development for Silver Diner Development, Inc., Rockville, Maryland, a chain of thirteen new, old-style diners. He has also located vintage diners for three museums, The Henry Ford in Dearborn, the Strong Museum in Rochester, and the Paragon Car Museum in New York and served as restoration architect or historical consultant on these projects.

Gutman and his wife Kellie are the owners of Slide Factor, an audio-visual production and design business created in 1979, and based in West Roxbury, Mass. Projects have included a recent video production, “Einstein’s Cosmological Constant, as related by Simon Singh,” for a centennial symposium in Alexandria, Egypt, two major exhibitions, “American Diner” and “Summer Camp,” at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Mass., and exhibitions at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich.

Gutman received a bachelor of architecture degree from Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art & Planning. He is a resident of West Roxbury.

More information about the Culinary Archives can be found here.