Former longtime McDonald’s executive Erik Hess assumed the role of brand president of Moe's Southwest Grill, a fast-casual Mexican-themed restaurant chain.
Hard Rock International promoted company veteran David Pellow to senior vice president of company cafe operations from area vice president of café operations – Europe.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers appointed Paul Murphy to serve as president and CEO. The former Noodles & Company executive chairman will assume his new position October 3, 2019.
Clay Dover was promoted to CEO for Velvet Taco, a fast-casual concept created by Dallas-based Front Burner Restaurants. Dover joined Velvet Taco in 2017, serving as the chain’s president.
Royal Range hired Dean Thedford to serve as director of national accounts.
Rob Lynch resigned from his post as president of Arby’s to become president and CEO of Papa John’s. To fill the role created by Lynch’s departure, Arby’s promoted Jim Taylor to president from chief marketing officer.
Master-Bilt hired foodservice industry veteran Steve Gill to serve as vice president of sales for the manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment.
Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Ali Group made a series of organizational changes that impact several of its operating companies, including ACP, Scotsman Ice Systems and Champion Industries. These changes all take effect Sept. 1, 2019.
In a deal valued at approximately $25 million, The ONE Group Hospitality plans to acquire the assets of Kona Grill. The list of assets includes the worldwide rights to the name “Kona Grill” and other intellectual property, such as menu recipes. The acquisition is subject to financing conditions, the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, and other customary closing conditions.
PRO-TEK and its sister company PRO-PLUS, both New York-based equipment service companies were acquired by DegreeOne, a national service group network. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Penny Klingler was promoted to president of Carpigiani North America, which is an Ali Group company.
Eastern Tabletop appointed Steve Freeland to serve as director of sales for manufacturer’s western territory.
Indianapolis service agent Vanco tapped foodservice industry veteran Rusty Parke to serve as vice president of operations. In his new role with Vanco, Parke oversees service operations and business development.
Restaurant industry veteran Kelly Roddy has been named CEO of Pennsylvania-based Saladworks.
Everyone in the foodservice industry understands the critical importance of following proper food safety and sanitation procedures in any type of food facility. News outlets often share stories of the dangers and consequences of foodborne illnesses for customers and for the establishments they patronize. Yet food safety inspections conducted by local and state health departments continually turn up a potpourri of results, from near perfect to horrifyingly dirty.
Pie Five Pizza hired Scott Black to serve as vice president of operations for the fast-casual restaurant chain.
Chefs’ Toys opened a new warehouse store in San Marcos, Calif., August 23. That makes the eighth retail location for the foodservice equipment and supplies dealer; all stores operate in the southern California market.
Foodservice equipment industry veteran Tom Stritch was appointed senior vice president of business development for the Excell Foodservice Equipment Dealer Network and Nissco Restaurant Dealer Group. In his new role, Stritch becomes responsible for leading the organizations’ nine-member business development team.
Carl Bachmann was named the new president of fast-casual burger chain Smashburger as part of several leadership changes announced by Jollibee Foods Corp., which acquired the fast-casual burger chain last year. Bachmann was formerly the chief operating officer for Smashburger.
