Leadership

Walk-On's and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill name new executives

Executive Summary: A roundup of high-level hirings and promotions in the restaurant business includes changes for Red Robin.
Laurie Curtis, Caren Prince and Renae Scott.
Laurie Curtis, Caren Prince and Renae Scott. | Photos courtesy of Walk-On's, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Slice House by Tony Gemignani.

Executive Summary

Laurie Curtis is the new chief marketing officer for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.  Curtis comes to the role with over 25 years of marketing experience. Most recently, she served as vice president of marketing and menu innovation at Denny’s where she oversaw brand ad field marketing, product development, communications and insights. Curtis has also held leadership roles with brands such as Pizza Hut,TGI Friday’s and Domino’s Pizza.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has named Caren Prince, a former Krispy Kreme and Mars Inc. executive, to the role of chief financial officer. Prince spent 20 years with Mars Inc., serving in multiple roles before taking on the position of CFO of the concept’s Retail Group. Most recently, Prince was CFO at Krispy Kreme.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani hasnamed Renae Scott to the role of Fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently the CMO at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Scott has led the marketing teams of PizzaRev, Togo’s Eateries and Roundtable Pizza, and she was formerly the vice president of media and marketing for Carl’s Jr.

Megan Spuler is the new chief people officer at Red Robin. Most recently, Spuler served as chief people officer of Eckerd Connects, a national nonprofit. In the past, she spent five years with Bloomin’ Brands Inc., where she focused on leadership development, talent acquisition and inclusion and diversity initiatives. She also held roles at Pall Aeropower and Campbell Soup Company.

Rock N Roll Sushi named new executives. The sushi chain has tapped Craig LeMieux as its new CEO and Terri Jessen as its vice president of operations. LeMieux takes the helm from Chris Kramolis who will stay with the company as chief development officer.

LeMieux previously was area developer/ multi-unit franchisee for Tropical Smoothie Café. Meanwhile, Jessen brings two decades of restaurant industry experience to her new role. Jessen was also a multi-unit franchisee for Tropical Smoothie Café from 2004 to 2013.

Also this week, Blain Shortreed was named president of Huddle House. Most recently, he served as CEO of Long John Silver’s.  

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