Ron Brown Scholar Alum Colin Webb Triumphs in Tech: Sauce Technologies Joins Forces with Virtual Dining Concepts

In an influential move in the tech industry, Ron Brown Scholar alum Colin Webb (RBS 2014) has successfully steered his startup, Sauce Technologies, into a merger with Virtual Dining Concepts, giving birth to the new powerhouse, Linked Eats.

Colin Webb, founder of Sauce Technologies, embarked on a journey to transform the restaurant industry’s digital landscape by addressing one of its most pressing challenges: the need for e-commerce capabilities. Recognizing that restaurant owners struggled to adapt to a digital-first approach, Webb and his team developed Sauce Technologies to offer smart pricing solutions and digital automation to streamline restaurant operations.

Colin Webb’s journey from founding his company to navigating a successful exit exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by the Ron Brown Scholar Program. This merger underscores Webb’s commitment to innovation and highlights how Ron Brown Scholars are making significant contributions to their industries.

Webb shares his excitement about the merger: “The new Linked Eats is truly an example of being Better Together. Our entire team is joining forces to continue revolutionizing the restaurant industry. This is just the beginning of our journey to enhance how restaurants operate digitally.”

As Webb prepares to embark on new ventures, his achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration to current and future Ron Brown Scholars. His success is a living testament to the program’s mission to empower individuals to make substantial impacts in their fields, instilling a sense of motivation and inspiration in the audience.

Stay tuned for more updates from Colin Webb as he shares insights from his founder’s journey and explores new opportunities in the tech landscape.

For more information on the exciting developments at Linked Eats and how they’re innovating restaurant management, visit their website below.

Visit Linked Eats: https://www.linkedeats.io/

The Ron Brown Scholarship Program celebrates Colin Webb’s achievements and looks forward to seeing how his innovative spirit will continue influencing the tech industry and beyond.

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In Memoriam:
Cal LaRoche (1946–2025)

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.

Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation. 

A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.

His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.

An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.

Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.

We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.