Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Heather Neary to leave Auntie Anne’s as parent Focus Brands overhauls management

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2020

Melissa Smith was named chief people officer for Focus; Kendall Ware was named chief brand officer of Carvel and Cinnabon; and Alisa Gmelich was named chief brand officer for Auntie Anne’s.

Leadership

Olive Garden's parent names CEO Gene Lee chairman

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 18, 2020

Rick Cardenas will move up to president and COO of Darden Restaurants while Raj Vennam will become CFO.

Leadership

Hawaii restaurateur Ed Wary dies

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 17, 2020

The former director of the National Restaurant Association was 75.

Leadership

Creator of Twin Peaks and Velvet Taco gets new CEO, new identity, new focus

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 17, 2020

Randy DeWitt has been succeeded as CEO by Jack Gibbons, and the company has been recast into a venture called FB Society

Leadership

Texas Roadhouse names Jerry Morgan president

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 17, 2020

He assumes the job from CEO Kent Taylor, who said the move will free him to focus on new business endeavors for the company.

Leadership

Dickey’s promotes its tech VP to CIO

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 17, 2020

Carissa De Santis joined the barbecue chain last year and led a redesign of the brand’s e-commerce site during the pandemic

Leadership

How Panera Bread is building its team culture—virtually

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 11, 2020

CEO Niren Chaudhary, who joined the chain months before the pandemic hit, said it is still possible to foster a productive team atmosphere without face-to-face meetings.

Leadership