Leadership Team
Robert Ancill – Chairman
Robert Ancill is Joint Chairman of TNI Restaurant Consultants and The Next Idea Group. Widely considered a restaurant authority regarding new concepts and trends, franchising, and restaurant / Food and beverage architectural design.
Based in Los Angeles, Robert has overseen the launch of over 89 new brands and 800 restaurant or café openings or remodels. He has worked or consulted with clients in over 24 countries, including but not limited to: USA, UK, Kuwait, Dubai/Abu Dhabi (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Malaysia, France, Qatar, Afghanistan, Tanzania and Pakistan.
In 2002 Robert founded The Next Idea, a high energy, innovative international restaurant consulting agency that simply provides – The Next Idea. The agency specialized in new restaurant concept development, re-positioning, cost efficiency/turnarounds, restaurant franchising, strategy and international growth. In 2024 The Next Idea became TNI Restaurant Consultants.
Never wavering from The Next Idea’s core values of Creativity, Excellence, Client Service, and Integrity, Robert built The Next Idea from a one-client agency to an acclaimed international boutique consulting group with a broad range of small, medium, and large clients, and an enviable project portfolio. In 2015, as a result of its broad success with interior design and architecture, The Next Idea launched its design and architecture agency, TNI Group. Robert is CEO of TNI Group, and remains joint CEO of TNI Restaurant Consultants.
Robert is also active in the Non Profit world, supporting many good causes including, anti-slavery, cure and support for autism and child education in underdeveloped countries.
In his spare time Robert is an amateur photographer, whose work has been featured in a number of magazines and websites, and can be found at: www.introspectivelense.com
Robert authored a book called Post COVID-19 Reboot (launched April 2020). The book was a forecast and guide to opening restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses after the Quarantine period was lifted.
Mercedes Chiprut – Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Mercedes career spans over 18 years in the Restaurant, Retail & Leisure Industries, with a focus in restaurant/cafe operations and training.
Mercedes has managed over 60 restaurant/café openings in the UK & the US.
Mercedes is responsible for all TNI Restaurant Consultants operations and training activities, and has consulted with a range of food service operators; including Virgin Trains, Panera Bread, and Albert Roux Cafes.