Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants added the role of chief executive officer to R.J. Melman’s responsibilities. He also serves as president of the multiconcept operator.

Kevin Brown, Lettuce’s previous CEO, will become the company’s executive chairman where he will “continue lending his leadership guidance and expertise, while also focusing on Lettuce Consulting,” per a company release. Brown served as CEO of Lettuce since 2003.

Melman was named president of Lettuce in 2017 and under his leadership, the company expanded to new markets, including Austin, Miami and Orlando. The company plans to open in Nashville and Dallas, the release added.