See some of the latest restaurant leadership changes.
TGI Fridays Names Weldon Spangler as Chief Executive Officer
Weldon Spangler, a longtime TGI Fridays board member and highly experienced restaurant executive, has been appointed CEO of TGI Fridays, effective immediately. He succeeds Brandon Coleman, who has resigned for personal reasons. Mr. Spangler will lead implementation of the growth plan to revitalize the iconic brand on a global scale. There are currently 700 TGI Fridays restaurants in 51 countries offering high quality American food and drinks.
Red Lobster Names Horace Dawson Chief Executive Officer
Red Lobster has named Horace Dawson Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company and is joining the company’s board. Since 2014, Dawson served as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Red Lobster where he led legal affairs and was responsible for communications, risk management and government relations. Dawson is a 30-year restaurant industry veteran having served as the Vice President and Division General Counsel for Darden Restaurants, Inc., and Vice President of Business Affairs and General Counsel of Hard Rock Cafe International.
Scooter’s Coffee Names Joe Thornton as Next CEO
Scooter’s Coffee, recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchise systems in the U.S., and best known for its amazingly fast drive-thru and specialty coffee, announced that Joe Thornton will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Scooter’s Coffee, effective January 1, 2024. Thornton currently serves as the company’s President and will succeed Todd Graeve, who will retire after serving as CEO since 2016 and after nearly two decades in the Scooter’s coffee business.
Pokeworks Names Regina Cheung New CEO
Regina Cheung has been elevated from Chief Financial Officer to the role of Chief Executive Officer for Pokeworks. She will pulling double duty as she retains the title of CFO as well. In her new role as CEO, she is turning her focus to increasing franchise profitability, introducing the brand to new markets and leveraging the knowledge and talents of Pokeworks’ team and board members, including the original founders and Toridoll Holdings, to build a sustainable and scalable franchise business.
Artistry Restaurants Names New CEO, Partner
Artistry Restaurants, the Winter Park-based restaurant platform announced two key promotions within its leadership team: Mark Kirke, previously Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) and Partner, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Partner, and Daniel Harf, formerly Chief Concept Officer (CCO), is now CCO and Partner. With restaurants throughout the Southeast, Artistry Restaurants brands include Oak & Stone, Boca, Shrimp Basket, Atlantic Beer and Oyster and Sandbar Amelia Island.
Eggs Up Grill Appoints Stsiapanau Vice President of Operations
Eggs Up Grill, a rapidly expanding breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, has named Mira Stsiapanau vice president of operations and training. In her role, Mira will lead Eggs Up Grill’s field support team, the Brand’s training function and its flagship restaurant in Spartanburg, S.C. Stsiapanau joins Eggs Up Grill from Denny’s where she spent six years as a senior district manager successfully leading a network of company-operated locations. She began her restaurant career as a regional training manager in the Popeyes system, and over her years in the industry has established a compelling track record of accomplishments in developing teams, a leadership pipeline and propelling business results.
Zunzi’s + Zunzibar Names Kevin Nelson Vice President of Operations
Zunzi’s, the Savannah-based fast casual concept known for its award-winning sandwiches, is proud to announce the addition of fast food veteran Kevin Nelson to its roster as vice president of operations. Nelson brings more than 30 years of operational experience with such top-tier brands as Five Guys, Krispy Kreme and Arby’s as Zunzi’s and its beach-themed bar concept, Zunzibar, gear up to expand into select markets throughout the Southeast.
Angry Chickz Taps Mike LaRue to Begin Franchising
Angry Chickz opened its doors five years ago in a 900-square-foot storefront in Hollywood. After rapidly growing to 24 units, the popular brand is now ready to spread its wings and begin franchising operations with its new Vice President of Franchise Development, Mike LaRue. An acclaimed industry veteran, LaRue has successfully launched franchise systems for multiple brands throughout his 20-year career.
Paris Baguette Names Eric Lavinder as Chief Development Officer, to Lead the Next Phase of Growth for the Brand
Paris Baguette, the 4,000-plus-unit global bakery café concept nearing 150 cafes in the U.S. alone, has welcomed Eric Lavinder to the C-Suite as its new Chief Development Officer. Prior to joining Paris Baguette, Lavinder was the Chief Development Officer for Duck Donuts and before that, WOWorks.
PrimoHoagies Names Lauren Tesche-Johnson as Director of Business Development
PrimoHoagies, the beloved hoagie chain recently named America’s #1 sandwich shop in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, has appointed its new Director of Business Development, Lauren Tesche-Johnson. As Director of Business Development, Tesche-Johnson takes on a pivotal role in propelling PrimoHoagies’ brand growth through franchise development.