John W. Cooper John Cooper was appointed president of Bonefish Grill in 2001. He began his restaurant and management career with Steak & Ale in 1974, and later joined Bennigan’s in 1978. There he was responsible for opening and supervising seven Bennigan’s in west central Florida. Mr. Cooper joined Outback Steakhouse in 1989 and went on to develop 13 restaurants in Orlando, Florida as a joint venture partner. Return to Concept Officers