Luby’s Inc. has promoted Benjamin “Todd” Coutee to chief operating officer.
Coutee previously served as senior vice president of operations for culinary contract services for the brand. Before that, he held executive roles with Luby’s Cafeterias and Fuddruckers. He has also served as an executive director of operations for Aramark.
“His successful style of leadership, passion for people and invaluable knowledge from more than 30 years in the industry provide the vision and management capabilities most needed today for the future of our brand operations,” Luby’s President and CEO Chris Pappas said in a statement.
Luby’s has struggled as of late. The company, which operates more than 80 Luby’s Cafeterias, 61 Fuddruckers and two Cheeseburger in Paradise units, has shuttered eight restaurants since May and is looking to close more stores to pay off debt. Company management issued a “going concern warning” earlier this year, stating that the company had defaulted on some of its $44 million debt load and was in danger of going out of business.
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