Multiconcept operator Bloomin’ Brands promoted Mark Graff to senior vice president of business development and financial planning. Graff will lead the company’s business development team, including asset and franchise development, in addition to his existing financial planning

An affiliate of Nicholas Perkins, one of the chain’s largest franchisees, will acquire Fuddruckers for an estimated $18.5 million from multiconcept operator Luby’s. The deal includes master ownership of the Fuddruckers brand worldwide. 

Rich Entertainment Group, which comprises Rich’s sports operations, dining businesses, theater production, travel and hospitality entities, promoted Joe Segarra to president. He previously served as chief operating officer of Rich Entertainment Group and has been with the company more than 20 years.

Kevin Atkinson was named executive chef for Angeline’s and Merchant & Trade, a pair of Charlotte-based restaurants. Both concepts are owned by multiconcept operator Kimpton Restaurants.

Pieology appointed Bijan Sami to serve as the restaurant chain’s chief operations officer and information officer. As the title implies, Sami assumes responsibility for leading both the global operations and technology roadmap for the company.

Keith Droz was appointed corporate chef for Icon Entertainment Group. In his new role, Droz will oversee food and beverage for the multi-concept operator’s various concepts, which include Skull's Rainbow Room, Johnny Cash's Kitchen & Saloon, House of Cards, Nudie's Honky Tonk and the ...

Eric Brownlee was appointed executive chef for The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, a restaurant inside the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Matt Stuhl was appointed vice president of operations for Sage Restaurant Concepts, a multiconcept operator owned by Sage Hospitality Group. In this role, Stuhl assumes responsibility for the overall operations of a selection of the company’s more than 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops across the U.S.

Bojangles tapped Katie Radtke to serve as vice president of supply chain.

Roomle and Kitchautomation have developed a partnership that will assist the way foodservice operators and the supply chain work together to design commercial kitchens and specify equipment, supplies and more. The intent of the partnership is to further collaboration among foodservice operators, designers, equipment and supplies dealers, manufacturers' reps and others involved in the design process.

Kasey Christensen was promoted to president of Arctic Circle, a restaurant chain with locations in the western U.S. He served as Arctic Circle’s COO since 2015. In 2016, Christensen introduced Arctic Circle’s charitable giving structure known as Arctic Cares.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers introduced restaurant industry veteran Chris Dull as the fast-casual chain’s CEO. Dull joins the industry-leading fast-casual franchise on the heels of its recent acquisition by private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners in March of 2021.

Kristin Beringson was appointed executive chef for Henley, an American brasserie in Nashville’s Kimpton Aertson Hotel.

Glen McIntosh was introduced as chief supply chain officer for Michigan-based pizza chain Little Caesars.

Paul Henry was named director of food and beverage for The Virginian, a Fairfax, Va.-based senior living community. In his new role Henry will create a signature dining experience and manage restaurant operations for the resort-style community.

Joe Guith was promoted to category president, restaurant brands for Focus Brands. He previously served as president of McAlister’s Deli, one of the restaurant chains Focus Brands owns.

Jeremy Vitaro was appointed chief development officer for Little Caesars. In his new role, Vitaro will focus on new unit growth both domestically and abroad.

Former Panera executive John McKay was appointed vice president of real estate and development for multiconcept operator Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hired Hilary Street as director of operations for North America. Street comes to Brooklyn Dumpling Shop from Dos Tacos Taqueria, where she served as vice president of operations for the quick-serve Mexican concept.

Restaurant industry veteran Kim Boerema was appointed president of cafe operations for Hard Rock Cafe. 

Bloomin’ Brands promoted Lissette Gonzalez to senior vice president, supply chain. Gonzalez joined the Florida-based multiconcept operator in 2014 and was promoted to vice president of global procurement in 2019.

Former Cheesecake Factory executive Michael Moore was named chief operations officer for Parched Hospitality Group, a New York City-based multiconcept operator.

Former Domino’s executive Tom Curtis will become chief operating officer for Burger King, effective sometime in May.

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies named the recipients of its 2021 Top Achiever Awards. These individual awards recognize professionals from five industry segments for their abilities to not only run market-leading companies but also raise the level of professionalism for the industry overall.