Jim Kuhn has assumed the post of CEO and president of Kona Grill, the Asian casual-dining concept announced Thursday.
Kuhn succeeds Berke Bakay, who held the top role for six years. Bakay has been named Kona Grill’s executive chairman.
Kuhn joined the 46-unit chain as COO late last year, having previously served as chief executive of Chalak Mitra Group, where he oversaw the Genghis Grill brand.
“Jim has done a remarkable job during his tenure with us at improving the profitability of our restaurants and I’m confident that Kona will thrive under his leadership,” Bakay said in a statement.
Kona Grill’s same-store sales fell 12.1% year over year in the quarter ended June 30, a period in which it also incurred a net loss of $1 million. Yet the chain “significantly improved” its profitability during Q2, Kuhn said in a news release, due to recent cost-cutting endeavors.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.