Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Red Robin fills out C-suite with marketing, development chiefs

By Joe Guszkowski on May 01, 2023

New CMO Kevin Mayer comes from BJ’s, while Chief Business Development Officer Jason Rusk has spent 25 years at Red Robin. The chain also hired an interim chief people officer.

Leadership

Red Robin Chief People Officer Wayne Davis is leaving the company

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 27, 2023

Davis’ departure is the latest change to the chain’s C-suite under new CEO G.J. Hart.

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Peeling back the mystery of Cracker Barrel CEO Sandy Cochran

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 27, 2023

The long-serving family dining chain leader has kept her head down and her sights forward, despite the distractions of a 10-year takeover attempt and setbacks in the search for a fresh growth opportunity.

Leadership

Former 7-Eleven exec Raj Kapoor named SVP, President of International at Wingstop

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 26, 2023

The Dallas-based wings chain has a target of reaching 7,000 units globally, including 3,000 international locations.

Leadership

Earl Enterprises taps Reef vet to develop nontraditional sites

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 25, 2023

Valentina Ellison is charged with putting Earl brands in airports, sports centers and shopping malls.

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5 bits of wisdom from an industry think tank

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 20, 2023

A panel of executives shared advice on hiring, loyalty, robots and more during a crowdsourced session at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. And they weren’t afraid to challenge popular opinion.

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KFC names Jonathan Ojany U.S. CFO

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 20, 2023

The former Coca-Cola executive will oversee financial strategies for the chicken chain’s domestic market.

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Mark King goes off-script at Taco Bell

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 18, 2023

The Mexican fast-food chain was doing pretty well when King took over as CEO in 2019, even though he had no experience in restaurants or franchising. Then, the 2023 Restaurant Business Restaurant Leader of the Year pushed the company to do even better.

Leadership