Meet Our Leadership Team

Scott Van Pelt

Franchise CEO and Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

Scott Van Pelt leads the growth and franchise development of Cool Hand Luke's. His focus is the business behind the restaurant — the administration, financial discipline, and proven systems that turn a great steakhouse into a great investment. He supports franchise owners on the management side of ownership: business set-up, planning, and the numbers that matter, along with the hands-on guidance that has made Cool Hand Luke's a beloved California destination. Under Scott's leadership, franchise owners have the confidence to build a well-run business behind the authentic family atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.

Scott first joined Cool Hand Luke's in 2006 as a franchise owner, bringing experience in restaurant operations across several brands. Over nearly two decades he built a reputation as a leader, showcasing his success as a model for others. During the impact of Covid in 2020, the California market changed, and he helped turn around some of the brand's underperforming locations. Through his dedication to the brand, he refined the menu, sharpened operations, and proved the model could prosper once again. In 2025, he and his partners acquired ownership of the brand, and he is focused on bringing Cool Hand Luke's to new communities through franchising while preserving the family-run culture at its core.

The Cool Hand Luke's family runs deep: Scott operates the Santa Maria location alongside his son, and family members help run the Riverbank location. The hands-on, family-first approach exemplifies the brand. He believes in balance between the back of house, chef-led kitchen all the way to the front door where regular guests and new patrons are always welcome.

Mariann Van Pelt

Chief Financial Officer

Mariann Van Pelt has served as Chief Financial Officer for our affiliate restaurants in Santa Maria and Riverbank, starting in January 2018. Prior to joining the family business, she served as a Senior Accounting Manager at Cal Poly Corporation in San Luis Obispo, CA for nearly 20 years. She brings her financial expertise and focus to the brand. She supports franchisees with insights on which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will help manage and improve their operations to stay ahead of area competition, while maintaining efficiencies in today's restaurant industry.

Shawn Van Pelt

Vice-President — Franchise Development and Technology

Shawn Van Pelt's world is the restaurant itself. As Vice-President of Franchise Development and Technology since April 2025 — and Owner, COO, and Vice-President of Luke's Steakhouse, Inc. in Santa Maria, CA since April 2006 — he supports franchise owners with the day-to-day operations that make a Cool Hand Luke's run: front of house, back of house, and the technology that ties it all together. From daily prep and service through scheduling, staffing, and inventory, Shawn helps owners build the operational rhythm that delivers a great guest experience every shift.

With two decades inside the brand's operations, Shawn has worked the business from every angle, and he has served as COO and Secretary of Van Pelt Catering, Inc. since January 2024. He's focused on putting modern tools in owners' hands — the operations, marketing, and training technology that lets a hometown steakhouse and saloon run at today's pace — and he'll be alongside new franchisees as they set up their restaurant, open their doors, and settle into successful daily operations.