10 Recent Restaurant Leadership Changes

See some of the latest restaurant leadership changes.

Rock N Roll Sushi Introduces New Superstar Leaders

Building on Rock N Roll Sushi’s tsunami of growth in the sushi space, the company has announced two major additions to its executive lineup with Craig LeMieux joining as the new CEO and Terri Jessen coming aboard as Vice President of Operations.

Huddle House Names Blain Shortreed Brand President

Huddle House, the family restaurant that brings friends and family together over delicious food served from the heart, recently announced Blain Shortreed as Brand President. Shortreed is a career restaurant professional with more than 30 years of experience leading top brands. As Huddle House Brand President, he will oversee company operations, the franchise system, marketing, and culinary innovation.

Tyler Nelson Named President of Savory, Richie Stevens Named VP of Finance for Savory Fund

Savory, an innovative private equity firm that invests in emerging restaurant concepts, has announced two pivotal promotions: Tyler Nelson is now president of Savory (the value-add platform of the fund), and Richie Stevens is now VP of Finance for Savory Fund. These advancements come during a high-growth time for the firm, as it just announced its 11th portfolio investment with Houston TX Hot Chicken, operates more than 170 restaurants in 12 states, and has more than 70 restaurant openings to come in 2024.

BRIX Holdings Bolsters Executive Leadership Team with New CFO

BRIX Holdings LLC has appointed Rick Brown as its Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. In this pivotal role, Brown will spearhead the financial and accounting functions across all brands under the BRIX Holdings umbrella, including Friendly’s Restaurants, Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, SouperSalad and Pizza Jukebox.

SPB Hospitality Promotes Kristen Hohl to Vice President of Marketing

SPB Hospitality, a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants across the U.S., recently announced the promotion of Kristen Hohl to Vice President of Marketing. Hohl previously served as Senior Director of Marketing for the organization. She is a career restaurant professional with extensive experience in marketing and operations.

Seminole Hard Rock Promotes Elena Alvarez to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships

Seminole Hard Rock has appointed Elena Alvarez as the new Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships for Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International. In this new role, the company veteran will be responsible for the development of brand activations and integrating assets across Hotels, Cafes, Retail, and Casinos including overseeing the development of new revenue-generating platforms. Alvarez will also continue to oversee the global marketing of the Cafe division of Hard Rock International. She reports to Jeff Hook, Executive Vice President of Marketing/CMO of Seminole Hard Rock Support Services and, with respect to brand partnerships, to Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment.

Ascent Hospitality Management Announces Mindy Armstrong as Vice President of Menu Innovation

Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, continues to build its executive team and recently announced Mindy Armstrong as Vice President of Menu Innovation. Armstrong will focus on establishing an innovation and culinary vision, establishing robust innovation process and outlining the menu strategy.

Big Table Restaurants Taps Donald Gale as Director of Culinary

Big Table Restaurants is wrapping up 2023 with a major new hire announcement. The company that owns beloved Atlanta-area restaurants HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern (Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Atlantic Station, Halcyon in Alpharetta and Vinings), Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar in Alpharetta and Big Table Events & Catering has selected Donald Gale as its new director of culinary. His vast and diverse experience in the restaurant industry is destined to shape Big Table’s restaurants in 2024 and beyond.

New Chef de Cuisine Announced by The St. Regis Deer Valley

The St. Regis Deer Valley, one of the most luxurious mountain Resorts in the world, today announced the appointment of a new Chef de Cuisine, Lawrence H. Abrams. Abrams comes to The St. Regis Deer Valley directly from Michelin-starred Valle in Oceanside, California where he served as Sous Chef under renowned Executive Chef Roberto Alcocer. Prior to Valle, considered the exemplar of Baja Mexican Cuisine, Abrams was Corporate Chef of The Cottage Restaurant Group including locations in La Jolla, Encinitas and Del Mar, California. Abrams became known for his menus utilizing fresh fare and unexpected flavors to complement The Cottage’s revered classics.