Restaurant operators from Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Blaze Pizza each announced personnel changes within their organizations.

Tony Moralejo was appointed president of Applebee’s. He replaces John Cywinski, who is leaving parent company Dine Brands for a CEO position at another restaurant company, per a release announcing these transitions.

Multiconcept operator Montclair Hospitality Group tapped Joey Simons to serve as its chief executive officer. MHG is the parent company to such concepts as Ani Ramen House, Mochinut, pastaRAMEN, Sushi by Bou and Kai Yang.

Inspire Brands has sold Rusty Taco to Gala Capital Partners, an investment firm that owns such chains as Cici’s Pizza. The terms of the deal were not disclosed but the Rusty Taco management team, led by Brendan Mauri, will continue with the brand and have co-invested in the acquisition.

Roy Rogers Restaurants tapped Adam Klaers as an executive vice president for the western-themed quick-service restaurant chain based in Frederick, Md.

Richard Stockinger has stepped down from his post as CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group to “pursue other interests,” per a company release. Dirk Montgomery, chief financial officer for the company since 2019, will serve as interim CEO for Fiesta Restaurant Group.

Multiconcept operator Focus Brands tapped Brendan Berg to serve as senior vice president of operations for the company’s restaurant category.

Multiconcept operator Davidson Hospitality Group promoted Bill Hanson to vice president, food and beverage within Davidson Restaurant Group, the company’s dedicated food and beverage operating vertical. He previously served as corporate director of food and beverage operations for DRG.

SPB Hospitality promoted Chef Ian Dodson to senior vice president of culinary and beverage for the multiconcept operator. The multiconcept operator also promoted Lisa Lee to senior vice president of marketing.

Laxman Narasimhan will become Starbucks' chief executive officer.

Multiconcept operator SPB Hospitality appointed Josh Kern as interim chief executive officer.

Renowned restauranteur Danny Meyer will step down from his role as chief executive officer of Union Square Hospitality Group, effective Sept. 6, 2022.

Contract feeder Aramark has changed the name of its K-12 school foodservice operation to Aramark Student Nutrition.

Ampex Brands has acquired bellagreen, an American bistro concept with locations in Houston and Dallas. But the chain’s new owners have a healthy appetite for growth.

Multiconcept operator Southern Proper Hospitality Group tapped Christopher Harter to serve as chief operations officer. In this role, Harter oversees all restaurant operations for the company, which includes 8 concepts and 18 restaurant locations.

Chartwells Higher Education has acquired Fresh Ideas, a foodservice management company based in Columbia, Mo., Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nekter Juice Bar promoted Natalie Green to the role of chief operating officer. Green joined Nekter in 2011 as a controller and spent the past six years working as senior vice president of business operations.

Former CKE Restaurants executive Ron Coolbaugh was appointed chief executive officer for Fresh Brothers, a Los Angeles-based pizza chain with 22 units.

Fast-casual Indian chain Curry Up Now tapped Abhijit Kamath to serve as director of culinary and flavor.

Multiconcept operator WOWorks created two chief brand officer positions to oversee its two groups of six restaurant brands, as well as handle the day-to-day operations for these concepts. Two company veterans were appointed to fulfill these roles.

Multiconcept operator Inspire Brands tapped Daniel Sasso to serve as director of equipment innovation and automation, a part of the Inspire Equipment Innovation Team.

Tracy Kim was named chief operating officer for DIG, a vegetable-centric, multi-format restaurant group.

Joe Gillie was appointed vice president of operations for Famous Toastery, a 25-plus unit better breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain.

Multiconcept operator WOWorks added two restaurant chains to the company’s portfolio through its acquisitions of Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery.

Cura Hospitality named Gary Stitzel its new vice president of operations.

In an industry of impressive leaders, these five FE&S Top Achievers stand out due to their ability to challenge themselves, their teams and, ultimately, positively influence the foodservice industry at large. Many of this year’s crop of Top Achievers have surprised themselves along the way as their careers and life situations took them on unexpected journeys.

Menu innovation and marketing may be critical for differentiating brands and driving traffic, but it’s equipment and related technologies that represent the real secret weapons for creating thriving, profitable restaurant companies with measurable competitive advantages.

Scooter’s Coffee promoted Richard Heyman to chief strategy officer.

The ever-evolving virtual restaurant segment has a new entry with a limited-time-only virtual restaurant that connects with WWE’s WrestleMania 38 event in Dallas April 2-3.

Torchy’s Tacos’ founder Mike Rypka has reclaimed the CEO reigns.