Barry still remembers the hum of the dishwasher at the deli where he worked as a teenager—and the important lessons he learned about customer service, hard work, and the realities of running a food service business.

Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in retail and hospitality, and they continue to inform the legal counsel he delivers today.

Barry brings decades of experience in commercial real estate, franchise law, and hospitality operations, with a particular focus on helping businesses grow in rapidly evolving consumer environments. Prior to joining Rubin Rudman, he served as Vice President and Legal Counsel at Panera Bread Company, where he advised on all aspects of the company’s program for development of company and franchisee operated restaurants, and management of its real estate portfolio. There, he played a key role in supporting the expansion of one of North America’s most recognized restaurant brands, helping navigate issues ranging from site development and labor policy to the legal implications of automation and other technology advancements.

 

Prior to his time at Panera, Barry was Director and Legal Counsel at Dunkin’ Brands, supporting both the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins franchises, and Assistant General Counsel at J. Baker, Inc., parent company of retail chains including Casual Male, Work N Gear, and Parade of Shoes. Earlier in his career, Barry was a regular speaker at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) US Law Conference, the leading annual event hosted by the primary trade association for the retail real estate industry.

Known for his pragmatic advice and business-oriented approach, Barry has a particular passion for working with growth-oriented clients in the hospitality and real estate sectors, especially startup concepts. He is deeply committed to understanding each client’s business model and providing clear, actionable guidance rooted in experience and strategy.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS

Retail and Restaurant Leasing Nationwide

Advised national retail and restaurant clients in the negotiation of leases and purchase agreements for hundreds of locations, including shopping center and storefront locations as well as office spaces, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities across the United States.

Legal Oversight for Multi-Unit Development

Led a cross-functional team of attorneys and paralegals handling all legal aspects of new unit development and real estate asset management for a 2,000-unit restaurant brand, including strategy, compliance, and execution.

Strategic Counsel on Site Expansion

Served as a key legal advisor on the selection, acquisition, and development of more than 500 new restaurant locations, helping guide site evaluation, lease and purchase negotiations, due diligence, and construction-related matters.

Multi-Unit M&A Transactions

Represented clients in numerous transactions involving the purchase or disposition of multi-unit restaurant or retail groups, advising on deal structure, risk assessment, and integration strategy.

CREDENTIALS

Education

  • JD, George Washington University National Law School, 1986
  • BA, Brandeis University, 1983

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts
  • Boston University, School of Hospitality Administration, Adjunct Lecturer
  • Internation Council of Shopping Centers
  • Town of Sharon Zoning Board of Appeals, 2009–2019
  • Schecter Holocaust Services Advisory Committee, 2000–Present
  • Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation Advisory Committee, 2024-Present