On the eve of kicking off its centennial celebration, the National Restaurant Association is making plans to find a new president and CEO.
Jim Stevens was named president of Golden Chick, a 52-year old restaurant chain. He replaces Mark Parmerlee, who will continue as chairman of the board and president of Golden Tree Restaurants, the multiconcept operator that owns Golden Chick.
Nathan’s Famous hired James Walker, CFE, to serve as senior vice president, restaurants. Walker comes to Nathan’s Famous from Subway, where he served as vice president, North America, overseeing franchised restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Peter Kiriakos was named vice president of chain accounts for LTI, a Georgia-based foodservice equipment manufacturer whose product line includes custom fabrication and counterwork as well as serving-related products.
Sean Kennedy was named executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association. Kennedy will lead all advocacy initiatives, federal and grassroots lobbying efforts, and policy economic analysis for the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization.
Kennedy brings more than 20 years of experience to his new role, most recently serving as senior vice president, global government affairs for Airlines for America (A4A), the trade association representing U.S.-based passenger and cargo airlines. His public service background includes serving as special assistant to the president in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the White House, chief of staff to former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, and legislative director for former Congressman Richard Gephardt. Kennedy also has private sector experience, having served as assistant vice president, federal relations at AT&T.
To help restaurant operators recruit, upskill and retain employees, the National Restaurant Association has developed ServSuccess. This career development program features three levels of professional certification, online training and assessments.
Private investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice has acquired an ownership stake in MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, a fast-casual pizza chain with 433 locations systemwide. The $150 million investment will help accelerate MOD’s continued expansion, per a release announcing the transaction.
Parts Town, a distributor of equipment parts for the foodservice industry, has acquired 3Plenish, an innovative app that enables management of parts inventory and replenishment for trucks used by field service-focused companies and other organizations that manage service technicians as well as parts stockrooms.
Steelite International has reached an agreement to purchase the assets of D.W. Haber & Son, the Bronx, N.Y., manufacturer of metal banquet and buffet products. The deal includes both D.W. Haber & Son and Kenny Mack Designs.
Monica Rothgery was promoted to chief operating officer of KFC U.S. She has been with YUM! Brands, the chain’s parent company, for nearly three decades, most recently serving as chief productivity officer for KFC U.S. since August 2018. Rothgerytakes over the COO role following the retirement of Phil Klezmer.
Ursula Vermillion will retire from her post as executive vice president of national smallwares for The Wasserstrom Company effective June 28. The Columbus, Ohio-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer hired Cathy King to fill Vermillion’s role.
Wood Stone Corporation promoted Tamra Nelson and Eric Schueler to vice president of customer experience and vice president of operations and innovation, respectively.
Regynald G. Washington, president of Paradies Lagardère Dining Division, was the winner of the 2019 Gold Plate Award presented by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Paradies Lagardère Dining Division is an Atlanta-based restaurant and travel retail company operating 174 restaurants in 43 airports in the United States and Canada. The operator has revenues in excess of $350 million.
Server Products tapped Al Corona to serve as chief operating officer for the Wisconsin-based manufacturer of portion-controlled dispensing and point-of-use holding of ambient, chilled and heated products.
Buffalo Wings & Rings introduced Dan Admire as corporate chef for the Cincinnati-based restaurant chain with more than 80 locations.
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies named Nick Pope, project manager for The Boelter Companies in Chicago, its 2019 DSR of the Year. Pope accepted his award during FE&S’ 2019 Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala, which took place May 18 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.
After two years in his role, Garry Macdonald will retire from his role as CEO of The Second Cup effective May 31, 2019. Steve Pelton will replace Macdonald as CEO of the Canadian coffee retailer and café operator.
