Ilana Scher has directed some of the most ambitious real estate expansion initiatives for high-growth startups, both domestically and internationally. Leveraging a multidisciplinary background that spans culinary arts, hospitality operations, and construction design, she possesses the unique ability to adapt seamlessly across diverse industries. Ilana thrives in dynamic environments, specializing in guiding concepts from initial inception to full-scale operational reality while optimizing processes for speed and efficiency.

As a founding member of the development team at Wonder, Ilana conceptualized, designed, and launched the company’s brick-and-mortar model. She successfully scaled the program from a single test concept in 2022 to over 90 operating locations by 2025, with an additional 110 sites in the design pipeline. In this role, she manages capital projects exceeding $2M per build and serves as the Director of the Restaurant Development & Programming overseeing interior fit-out, FF&E sourcing, procurement, and development strategy.

Previously, Ilana served as the Director of Development for Wings Over, where she spearheaded a complete brand revitalization and defined the physical vision and expansion strategy for the franchise's expansion. Her expertise also extends to operational excellence; as a consultant, she utilized Lean Management, Kaizen, and Agile methodologies to drive performance optimization and significant cost savings. Earlier in her career, she was the Operations Lead & Logistics Manager for WeLive, playing a key role in developing and constructing a $100M+ micro-housing co-living concept in New York and Washington, D.C.

SO WHAT HAVE I DONE?

I’VE OPENED OVER 100 LOCATIONS

QSR restaurants, Full service dining, Office spaces, Micro-housing co-living, boutique hotels, franchise growth

I’VE WORKED AT SOME OF THE FASTING GROWING & WELL FUNDED COMPANIES

Working with big budgets and tight timelines, I’ve helped unicorn startups launch new ventures and scale operations. Key leader on some marquee and stealth projects.

I’VE WORKED IN A MYRIAD OF DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS & VERTICALS

I started my career in the kitchen, moved to store-level operations, focused on FOH, BOH, brand, design, real estate development, IT admin and growth

I DESIGN FOR SCALE

It’s never just one store, one location, or one project. I design everything for growth. Looking at systems with the lens of scalability, I build systems that support you at location 1 and location 100

I SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY ROLLOUTS

Product development and SME in all things food & tech. Point of Sale, Mobile ordering, Loyalty programs, KDS, Menu Boards, Order Kiosk, Tech Stack Integration, Marketplace

I KNOW HOSPITALITY

A professional chef by trade, I’ve been working in the hospitality industry my whole career. I know what customer and guests wants, industry trends, bubbles and mainstays.

I GET THINGS DONE

I am a boots-on-the-ground operator who is willing to roll up their sleeves to make sure the project is a success.