True Food Kitchen has hired John Williams as its new CEO.
Williams was most recently CMO of Lazy Dog Restaurants and has also worked for The Disneyland Resort, General Mills and Nestle.
He replaces former CEO Christine Barone, who left to become president of the Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee chain.
Williams will help the Phoenix-based full-service chain continue its mission of “bringing craveable, nutritious food to as many people as possible,” the company said in a press release.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of the company,” Williams said in a statement, noting its unit growth as well as plans to update its menu, restaurant design and brand identity this spring.
Williams added that he is a long-time admirer of True Food co-founder Dr. Andrew Weil. The integrative medicine pioneer teamed up with restaurateur Sam Fox to start the brand in 2008 with a focus on anti-inflammatory foods and simple ingredients. It has since expanded to 44 units in 17 states.
In September, True Food got a $100 million investment, which it planned to use to help launch a fast-casual offshoot.
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