Mahmood Khan

Mahmood A. Khan, PhD, is a Professor and Graduate Faculty member at Virginia Tech’s National Capital Region Center, affiliated with the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management within the Pamplin College of Business. He has served at Virginia Tech for 33 years, previously at the University of Illinois (1984–1987). He established the graduate program in northern Virginia and served as Department Head for over a decade. His research focuses on hospitality franchising, foodservice management, consumer behavior, and nutrition, with over 10 books and numerous journal publications.

Education:

• PhD in Food Science, Louisiana State University (1975)
• MS in Food Science, Louisiana State University (1972)
• MSc in Agricultural Chemistry, A.P. Agricultural University (1971)
• BS in Agriculture, A.P. Agricultural University (1969)
• BS in Biology, Zoology, and Chemistry, Osmania University (1966)

Research Interests: Dr. Khan’s work spans hospitality franchising, restaurant innovation, foodservice operations, consumer behavior, and research methodology. He emphasizes bridging academic research with industry实践 through theory-building and practical analysis. His recent studies include technological disruptions in restaurant services and sodium content in children’s menus.

Awards & Recognition:

• Steven Fletcher Award (Hospitality Education)
• John Wiley & Sons Lifetime Research Award
• Cesar Ritz Award for Scholarship
• Honorary Citizenship of Baton Rouge
• Fellow, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Professional Engagement: Editor roles include the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research and Journal of Nutrition in Recipe and Menu Development. He has advised international organizations, served on global boards, and held the Brahim’s Endowed Chair at Universiti Putra Malaysia. His professional experience includes consultancy for major corporations and legal expert testimony.

Labs & Initiatives: Leads Virginia Tech’s hospitality graduate programs and co-founded the Encyclopedia of Hospitality and Tourism. Active in international education through USAID projects in Armenia, Cyprus, and Malaysia.