Cini-Little International, Inc. has announced the passing of William V. “Bill” Eaton FFCSI (PP). Widely acknowledged as a pioneer in foodservice consulting, Eaton passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Former past president and fellow of FCSI and a former chairman of the board at Cini-Little, Eaton’s career spanned more than five decades and “helped shape the modern foodservice industry,” say his colleagues at Cini-Little.
Born outside Detroit, Eaton’s journey in foodservice began at Cornell University, where he studied both engineering and foodservice – disciplines that would define his innovative approach throughout his career. After graduation in 1961, Eaton worked in various operational roles, including positions at The Statler Inn at Cornell, before joining Marriott Corporation and later Hot Shoppes.
In 1971, a fortuitous meeting with consultant John Cini led Eaton to join the then-fledgling Cini-Little firm, where he would spend the next 45 years helping transform the company from a small Bethesda startup into a global leader in foodservice consulting. His portfolio included landmark projects across the globe, most notably the revolutionary “Big Kitchen” at the World Trade Center in collaboration with John Cini and Joseph Baum, which introduced the innovative “market concept” to the public.
Mentor, visionary, dear friend
“Bill was more than a colleague – he was a mentor, visionary, and dear friend to countless professionals in our industry,” says Kathleen Held, president/CEO of Cini-Little. “His legacy lives on in the thousands of kitchens he designed, the professionals he mentored, and the standards of excellence he established.”
Eaton’s dedication to education and advancing the foodservice consulting profession was a defining characteristic of his career. In 1995, he played an instrumental role in developing the FCSI Educational Foundation, helping establish rigorous guidelines for financial management and programming while setting ambitious fundraising goals to support the next generation of industry professionals. Eaton’s connection to education started early in his career at Cornell, where he benefited from pioneering foodservice facilities engineering courses, and came full circle as he worked to ensure similar opportunities were available to future consultants.
Throughout his career, Eaton maintained deep connections to both the industry and his beloved alma mater. He was a trustee and life member of the Cornell University Council, and held leadership roles with the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management. His expertise extended to judging the National Restaurant Association’s Kitchen Innovations Awards since their inception in 2004.
Even after his official retirement, Eaton remained active as chairman of the board at Cini-Little, continuing to mentor young professionals and contribute his expertise to complex projects.
“Life is service”
Eaton’s daughter Pam Eaton, who worked alongside him at Cini-Little for 20 years, says, “The depth and breadth of what I learned from my dad is tough to wrap my head around, much less put into words. I think E.M. Statler said it best, and dad lived it – ‘Life is Service.’ And service was his passion – to his family, his colleagues, Cornell, his profession, and so many other pursuits. Everything I do is touched by how he taught me to live.”
Eaton is survived by his wife Phyllis, whom he met while both worked at Marriott, and married in 1966, his four daughters and their families, including 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. “His impact on the foodservice consulting industry and the countless lives he touched will be felt for generations to come,” said Cini-Little in a statement.
Further details:
A Celebration of Life will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland, with details to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Family Scholarship at the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the FCSI Educational Foundation, or Compass Regional Hospice of Centreville, Maryland. For more information, visit cinilittle.com.
