Jackie Secor is the new chief operating officer of Taco John’s. With more than 25-years of experience, Secor previously served as senior vice president of operations and training at GoTo Foods. At Taco John’s, she will oversee restaurant operations, technology and training.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay has named Patrick Cunningham to the role of chief development officer. Cunningham is the former vice president of U.S. development for Litle Caesars Pizza, and he has held roles at Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands. At Bobby’s Burgers, Cunningham will focus on new market expansion, and both traditional and nontraditional growth worldwide.
Patrick Cunningham | Photo courtesy of Bobby's Burgers.
Chris Patterson has been named vice president of training for Houston TX Hot Chicken. A 30-year industry veteran, Patterson has held senior leadership positions at CiCi’s Pizza, Dickey’s Barbecue and, most recently, Slim Chickens.
Chris Patterson | Photo courtesy of Houston TX Hot Chicken.
Joseph Harrison is the new executive chef of the restaurant Aria in Atlanta. The James Beard Award semifinalist is the former executive chef of Common Thread. He is scheduled to begin his new role on June 18, following the retirement of Aria’s chef and owner Gerry Klaskala, who founded the restaurant 25 years ago.
Dirty Habit D.C. has appointed Derek Watson as executive chef. Over the past 15 years, Watson has helmed restaurants that include Morimoto in Philadelphia, Momotaro in Chicago, and both Rose’s Luxury and Nama Ko in Washington, D.C.
Derek Watson | Photo courtesy of Dirty Habit.
The Hilton West Palm Beach has announced Zachary Mason as its new director of restaurants and bars. He will spearhead operations for the hotel’s venues, retail operations, meetings and events and in-room dining. Most recently, Mason led operations at La Luce, a signature restaurant at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Oscar Bello is the new executive chef of Barn8 Restaurant & Bourbon Bar, where he previously served as chef de cuisine. He joined the restaurant in 2023 after working in Washington, D.C. at the flagship José Andrés restaurant Jaleo, and he also helped open The Bazaar in the Waldorf Astoria.
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.