Shoney’s hires two execs to aid brand revamp

Shoney’s has added two new members to its executive team as part of its ongoing effort to revitalize the family dining brand, the company announced Wednesday.

With the addition of Michael Wozniak as chief operating officer and Eric Cleveland as executive chef, Shoney’s hopes to return its 150 restaurants to their “glory days,” the company said.

Prior to joining Shoney’s, Wozniak served in management capacities across several industries and has experience overseeing expansion efforts for franchised and company-owned operations, the company said. Cleveland comes to the team with more than 25 years of experience in the foodservice industry, including more than two decades as a corporate chef with Darden Restaurants.

“With Michael and Chef Eric, we’re gaining decades of business and culinary expertise that can help bring an even better Shoney’s experience to our ever-growing legion of believers,” said Shoney’s CEO David Davoudpour.

As part of its revamp efforts, Shoney’s last year launched a mall prototype in Lawrenceville, Ga., featuring a full bar and an attached Shoney’s On The Go option. 

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