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leadership

Leadership

Sweetgreen names former Chipotle executive to COO role

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 29, 2025

Jason Cochran will become the fast-casual chain's operations chief officially on Monday, replacing outgoing COO Rossann Williams.

Leadership

Portillo's reaches cooperation agreement with activist investor

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 29, 2025

Engaged Capital had nominated Charlie Morrison to Portillo's board, but Morrison took a gig as CEO of Jersey Mike's. Now the fast-casual Portillo's plans to work with the investor to find an alternative.

Leadership

Red Robin names David Pace CEO, replacing G.J. Hart

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 24, 2025

Hart is stepping down as head of the casual-dining chain after more than two years at the helm. Pace has been chairman of the board since 2019.

Leadership

Former Krispy Kreme CEO Mike Tattersfield named CEO of Salad and Go

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 22, 2025

Tattersfield has also become a minority owner of the quick-service drive-thru salad chain, now based in Texas, where the company has opened a large central kitchen facility.

Operations

Inside Maggiano's plans to 'democratize luxury'

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 22, 2025

The Italian polished-casual chain has upgraded everything from its croutons to its tablecloths as it looks to offer a more upscale experience. But prices are staying more or less the same.

Leadership

Rossann Williams steps down as Sweetgreen COO

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 17, 2025

The former Starbucks exec had been with the fast-casual salad chain about a year. She will stay on as an advisor through June.

Leadership

5 lessons from Chili's chief Kevin Hochman

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 16, 2025

The Brinker International CEO and 2025 Restaurant Leader of the Year shared some wisdom from his experience revitalizing the casual-dining chain during the Restaurant Leadership Conference.

Leadership

CEO v. CEO: Dutch Bros. Christine Barone and Portillo's Michael Osanloo face off

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 15, 2025

It was more collegial executive exchange than smack down, but the leaders of the drive-thru coffee concept and fast-casual Italian beef concept shared notes on growth, menu innovation and digital tech at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix.

Workforce

How to nurture a restaurant culture that crosses generations

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 15, 2025

The leaders of Pepper Lunch, White Castle, Donatos Pizza and Hawaiian Bros. Island Grill share their tips for building companies where workers want to stay and grow.

Leadership

Former Tropical Smoothie CEO takes helm at Smalls Sliders

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 08, 2025

Charles Watson replaces former Smalls CEO Maria Rivera, who left the 24-unit fast-casual chain last month. Investors hope he can replicate the smoothie chain's franchise growth.

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