O’Charley’s Inc. has announced the appointment of Marc A. Buehler as Concept President for O’Charley’s, effective September, 16, 2011. Buehler brings an extensive and successful record of accomplishments in the casual dining industry to O’Charley’s. Most recently, he was President, CEO and a director of Kona Grill, Inc., serving from November 2009 until June 2011. Previously, he served as CEO of LS Management, Inc., the operator of two restaurant concepts with a total of nearly 200 locations: The Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon and the Texas Land & Cattle Steak House. In addition, Buehler was also with Romacorp, which operated or franchised over 200 Tony Roma’s, joining the company as Vice President of Marketing and rising to President, CEO and director.
O’Charley’s Inc. President and CEO, David W. Head remarked, “Marc Buehler has an outstanding reputation as a result of his demonstrated capabilities in all aspects of leading a restaurant concept, as well as a strong commitment to deliver memorable dining experiences through outstanding food and superior service. We are confident of Marc’s ability to contribute significantly to our ongoing work of returning the O’Charley’s concept to a path of long-term profitable growth and development.”
Consistent with the Company’s philosophy of aligning the interests of its management with those of its shareholders, the Company has granted Mr. Buehler stock option awards for an aggregate of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that will cliff vest after three years. This award constitutes an inducement award under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5635(c)(4).