Company veteran tapped to fill newly created position of chief restaurant officer.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAGL) promoted Brian Unger to the newly created position of chief restaurant officer from executive vice president of operations.

Unger's core responsibilities will focus on all aspects of restaurant operations for company-owned locations, including oversight of its catering business and the network of Einstein Bagels Bros. franchisees.

"Brian was instrumental in helping Einstein Noah realize $2.7 million in savings last year through the completion of the first phase of our cost efficiency program, and is spearheading our continuing efforts to streamline our business model and capture an additional $3 million in annualized savings," said Jeff O'Neill, president and chief executive officer in a written statement.

Einstein Noah is a multi-concept operator whose portfolio includes such quick-casual chains as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel.