Latest Restaurant Leadership Changes from Corner Bakery Cafe, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Hargett Hunter, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Miguel’s Restaurants, Panera Bread, Papa Johns, Pita Pit, Pizza Hut, South Block, SPB Hospitality, Summit Grill Restaurant Group, Swig, and Taco Cabana
Papa Johns Appoints Restaurant Industry Veteran Todd Penegor as President and Chief Executive Officer
Papa John’s International’s Board of Directors has appointed Todd Penegor as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Penegor has also joined the Company’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who has served as Interim CEO since March 2024 and will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer.
Hargett Hunter Appoints Scott Taylor CEO of New Full-Service Restaurant Platform, Cherry Bounce Hospitality
Hargett Hunter announced that 30-year hospitality industry veteran Scott Taylor has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of its newly created full-service restaurant platform, Cherry Bounce Hospitality. Taylor joins the leading private equity firm after serving in C-level executive positions at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Beef ‘O’Brady’s and the University of Florida.
Corner Bakery Cafe Promotes Erin Hasselgren to President
Corner Bakery Cafe recently promoted Erin Hasselgren to president as the brand prepares for its next stage of growth. Hasselgren, formerly chief operating officer, spent nearly two decades with Corner Bakery Cafe prior to SSCP’s acquisition and has recently been instrumental in helping turn the brand around.
Pizza Hut Announces Kalen Thornton as Global Chief Brand Officer
Pizza Hut made two new executive marketing appointments. Kalen Thornton joined the company as Global Chief Brand Officer. In this role, Thornton will lead Pizza Hut’s global brand strategy and oversee all aspects of marketing across 110 markets and territories. In addition to Thornton’s appointment, Melissa Friebe became Chief Marketing Officer, U.S. Friebe joined Pizza Hut from Taco Bell, where she served in a number of positions over nearly three decades with the brand.
Swig Taps Dutch Bros Executive Amidst International Expansion
With strong corporate growth and over 500 franchise units signed across the U.S. and Canada, Swig has expanded its C-Suite and named Daniel Batty Chief Development Officer. Batty comes to Swig with more than 20 years of experience in the QSR segment and involvement in more than 2,000 development projects.
SPB Hospitality Appoints New Vice President of Operations
SPB Hospitality, a leading owner and operator of quick service, casual and fine dining restaurants, announced that industry veteran Andy Somers has joined the company as Vice President of Operations over their Old Chicago and Brewery Divisions.
Layne’s Chicken Fingers Welcomes New Senior Director of Operations and Director of Marketing To Support Explosive Growth
Layne’s has welcomed several new experts to the family to bolster its franchisee support. Shaq Jones, director of training, and Justin Olivieri, director of construction, have worked closely with both the leadership team at the corporate office and local franchisees to support owners through the development and opening processes. To support ongoing expansion, the team also recently welcomed Alex Camp as senior director of operations and Ashley Reynolds as director of marketing.
Cracker Barrel Appoints Sarah Moore as New Chief Marketing Officer
Cracker Barrel has appointed Sarah Moore as its Chief Marketing Officer. She joins the Company from her recent position as Senior Vice President of Marketing at MGM Resorts International where she spearheaded marketing initiatives for a portfolio of world-class hospitality brands.
Mark Shambura Joins Panera Bread as Chief Marketing Officer
Panera Bread announced that Mark Shambura joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer. He will lead all aspects of marketing at Panera, including Brand Building, Digital & Loyalty, Product Strategy & Consumer Insights.
South Block Names Alexandra Lawrence Its Director of Marketing
South Block – a booming better-for-you brand that dishes up acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices – recently named Alexandra Lawrence its Director of Marketing. Lawrence comes to South Block with more than 13 years of experience in marketing and client relations, most recently at Sweetgreen and Galley Foods.