P.F. Chang’s has hired restaurant veteran Jim Mazany as its next CEO, marking the Asian casual-dining chain’s second CEO change this calendar year.
Mazany, the former CEO of SPB Hospitality, replaces Brad Hill, who was promoted to CEO in April.
In a press release, P.F. Chang’s said Mazany will lead the company into its next phase of growth, with a focus on same-store sales and traffic and the in-restaurant experience. He will also work on new restaurant development in the U.S. and overseas, expanding P.F. Chang’s consumer packaged goods business and refining its concept.
The Scottsdale, Arizona-based chain recently launched a new “Light the Fire” campaign that is designed to reintroduce the brand to consumers and has also updated its menu and marketing strategy in recent months.
"I'm thrilled to join P.F. Chang's at such a pivotal time and lead the brand into its next chapter," said Mazany in a statement. "Our goal is to build on the brand's strong foundation to deliver bold flavors, immersive dining experiences, and innovative concepts that delight today's guest and shape the future of modern Asian cuisine."
Jim Mazany. | Photo courtesy of P.F. Chang's
Mazany has over three decades of restaurant industry experience, starting in 1990 as VP of operations for TGI Fridays, where he spent 15 years. He later held operations roles at Applebee’s and Joe’s Crab Shack and was CEO of Fatz Southern Kitchen before returning to Fridays as COO. Most recently, he was CEO of emerging brands Rosa Mexicano, Yardbird and Shell Shack as an operating partner with TriSpan llp.
In the press release, P.F. Chang’s also thanked Hill, who was with the chain for over eight years as CFO, COO and then CEO. He helped solidify Chang’s finances, modernize its operations and guide its global expansion plan, the company said.
P.F. Chang’s has more than 300 locations worldwide, about 220 of which are in the U.S. It is the second-largest Asian restaurant chain in the country, with nearly $1 billion in annual sales.
It had been opening new units coming out of the pandemic, including 10 in 2022 and two in 2023. But U.S. systemwide sales have declined in each of the past two years and it closed some locations in 2024, according to Technomic data.
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