Here are some recent executive changes in the restaurant industry:
Stephen Kennedy, Noodles & Company | All photos courtesy of the brands
Stephen Kennedy is the new executive vice president of marketing for Noodles & Company, effective Nov. 18. Kennedy most recently was vice president of growth and strategy at Bounteous, where he spearheaded digital strategies. His experience also includes executive positions at Nestle USA and Domino’s.
Tonya McCoy, Christopher Wadleigh, Will Lopez, Angry Chickz
Angry Chickz has made several new additions to its leadership team. Tonya McCoy was named vice president of marketing and will be steering the hot-chicken chain’s marketing strategies. Christopher Wadleigh is the new vice president of development. He worked previously with Taco Bell and Wendy’s franchisee Cotti Foods, as well as Urban Plates and Habit Burger & Grill. And Will Lopez has been promoted to vice president of operations. He has served as director of operations since 2023.
Kevin Carroll, Qdoba
Kevin Carroll is the new chief operating officer at Qdoba. He was COO for Applebee’s for seven years, and, before that, spent 27 years rising up the ranks at Chili’s.
Laurie Curtis has joined Shipley Do-Nuts as senior vice president of marketing. She served previously as CMO at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and was vice president of marketing and menu innovation at Denny’s. Curtis has also worked with TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut and Domino’s.
Steve Push, Legacy Food Group
Legacy Food Group announced the appointment of CEO Steve Push as executive chairman of the board, a newly created position that continues his leadership role within the distribution company. This move allows Push greater strategic focus on the firm’s mission to acquire regional independent distributors. “This transition will allow me to dedicate more of my time to expanding our acquisitions efforts and focus on strategic growth,” said Push in a statement.
Brian Simowitz, Houston TX Hot Chicken
Brian Simowitz has joined fast-casual Houston TX Hot Chicken as president. Simowitz most recently served as vice president of operations for Slim Chickens and was previously on the Applebee’s international team. Last year, the Las Vegas-based chicken chain entered into a growth partnership with Savory Fund.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream hired Aaron Huber as its new controller, as the Davenport, Iowa-based chain continues to expand its brand presence and franchise opportunities across the country. Huber comes to Happy Joe’s with deep experience in accounting and finance in the hospitality industry, including roles at Bennigan’s, Hilton, Marriott and The Hungry Hobo.
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee has named Paul Funk executive chef. He will oversee culinary operations, including the signature restaurant Tre Rivali and the rooftop bar The Outsider. Funk’s prior experience at hotels includes the Grand Geneva and St. Kate operated by Marcus Group properties.
UPDATE: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Laurie Curtis' name.
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