Casual Dining

Leadership

Red Robin names Todd Wilson CFO amid slew of leadership changes

The chain also appointed a new chief legal officer and announced the departures of its CIO and chief concept officer, setting the stage for an almost entirely revamped C-suite under new CEO G.J. Hart.

Financing

Delivery continues to flower at Bloomin' Brands

Delivery sales increased during the company’s third quarter even as more people returned to its dining rooms. “The customer has a habit,” CEO Dave Deno said.

The brand now believes it can have 900 restaurants in the U.S. That footprint combined with robust sales put it on pace to pass its competitors.

The chain will acquire the restaurants early next year as its corporate locations continue to outperform franchisees.

Doug Thompson will become CEO of the five-unit brand he is buying with well-known restaurant investors Bruckman, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. and Rosser Capital Partners.

With new leaders of people and digital, the company continues its back-to-basics approach under new CEO Kevin Hochman.

Scott Rodriguez joins casual-dining chain Applebee's as Chief Culinary Officer.

The casual-dining chain, owned by Fat Brands, has seen strong sales this year. And its sales are up in Florida.

The Brinker veteran replaces recently departed Rick Badgley in what the company called a change in leadership structure.

Changes such as new chicken wings and more efficient scheduling are expected to add 200 basis points to its margins.

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