David Pace was named president and CEO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. He succeeds G.J. Hart, who stepped down from his post after five-and-a-half years with the company. Hart will remain in an advisory capacity through September of this year, to ensure a smooth transition, per a company release.

No stranger to Red Robin, Pace most recently served as chairman of the chain’s board of directors. Replacing him in that role is Anthony Ackil. Pace will remain a member of the board.

Pace has 35 years of “leadership and turnaround experience in the food, beverage and retail industries,” the release added. He served as co-CEO of Tastemaker Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company focused on the restaurant, hospitality and related technology and service sectors, from 2020 to 2023. Pace previously served as CEO of Jamba Juice Inc. and as president of Carrabba's Italian Grill.