Leadership

Tom’s Urban appoints industry vet Shannon McNiel as president and COO

The emerging eatertainment brand, from the founders of Smashburger, positions itself for growth.
Shannon McNiel
Photograph courtesy of Tom’s Urban

Emerging eatertainment concept Tom’s Urban has named Shannon McNiel president and chief operating officer, the company announced Wednesday.

McNiel has worked in the restaurant industry for more than two decades, most recently as an executive with Texas Roadhouse. He has also held high-level posts with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Red Lobster and LongHorn Steakhouse.

“Shannon has a tremendous track record of delivering results in this industry and we couldn’t have hired a better person to help drive the anticipated growth of our brand,” Tom Ryan, executive chairman of Tom’s Urban, said in a statement. “He is an accomplished and passionate leader whose expertise will continue to build Tom’s Urban.”

Tom’s Urban, which was launched in 2012 by the co-founders of Smashburger, is now owned by Denver-based investment and operating company Black Shamrock Partners. It currently has four units, all in hotels and casinos. The concept features a comfort food menu and boasts that at least one TV screen can be seen from every seat.

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