Srinivas Kumar has resigned as CEO of the group that operates and franchises the Old Chicago, Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch casual-dining concepts after leading the company for four years.
No reason was given for Kumar’s split with CraftWorks Restaurant and Breweries Inc., and no successor was named.
Interim CFO Fred Beilstein has assumed the duties of CEO on what the company termed an interim basis. But a CraftWorks spokesperson told BizWest.com that CraftWorks is not seeking a permanent replacement for Kumar. He described Kumar’s departure as the start of a “much-deserved sabbatical.”
Gordon Biersch and Rock Bottom are brewpub concepts. Old Chicago specializes in pizza, with a wide selection of craft beers.
The three chains encompass about 200 units.
Beilstein said in a statement that he intends to maintain the company’s growth. Ten franchised restaurants across the three brands are expected to open in 2018, the company said.
“Despite what have been difficult times for many in casual dining, the CraftWorks family of brands represent enduring concepts that have resonated with our guests over many decades,” Beilstein said in the statement. “I do not see that changing as we provide guests with great craft beer and craveable food.”
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