Bobby Rutter, Forward Hospitality Group Co-Founder: Most Interesting People 2026
In the courtroom and behind the scenes of Cleveland’s hottest bars, the Forward Hospitality chief operating officer and father makes waves in the city.
by Christina Rufo | Dec. 22, 2025 | 5:00 AM
PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGANN GALEHOUSE, LADY LUCK STUDIO
Why He’s Interesting: Bobby Rutter has mastered the art of balance, being an attorney, entrepreneur, husband and father. As a partner at Rutter & Russin and founder of Forward Hospitality Group, he blends structure with creativity, law with nightlife and family with business.
Law and Hospitality: Rutter began his career defending insurance companies before switching sides to represent policyholders. Rooted in lessons from his parents’ pizza shops, Rutter credits hard work and adaptability as the foundation of his success. To him, law and hospitality are two sides of the same coin, both centered on understanding people. “At the end of the day, law is just normal people with legal problems. I’m a better lawyer because I talk to so many different people every day.”
Family Law: Together, Rutter and his father, who is a fellow attorney, have handled numerous trials over the years. “It’s a pretty unique father and son experience.”
Good Cause: Rutter serves on the board of Folds of Honor, a national nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders. Though he has no personal connection to the cause, Rutter was moved by the organization’s transparency, purpose and the stories of the families it supports.
Happy Habits: Outside of work, Rutter stays active and family-focused. As a devoted volleyball dad, he spends weekends traveling to tournaments with his two daughters. “It’s crazy but fun. We’ve made lifelong friends, and my kids have had great experiences.”
22+: The number of Forward Hospitality venues Rutter has helped open in Ohio and beyond — including from Goodnight John Boy, I Hate Cowboys and Welcome to the Farm.
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Christina Rufo
Christina is a passionate reporter on Cleveland's culture and dining scene, compiling Cleveland Magazine's monthly dining guide. A graduate of West Virginia University's journalism school and the New York University Publishing Institute, her work celebrates the people, plates and parties that make Northeast Ohio shine.
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