HEATHROW Fla. Tony Lavely resigned Monday as senior vice president of marketing and business development for Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc., the company said.
Lavely left the chain "to pursue other business and personal interests," according to a statement from Ruth's Chris, which operates and franchises more than 100 units in the United States and abroad.
Asearch for his replacement is under way. Lavely joined the chain in August 2004, having worked previously for Burger King, Long John Silver's and Domino's Pizza in management positions.
Ruth's Chris recently reported that sales at company-owned units rose 27.6 percent in 2006 to $254.7 million, due in part to an extra week of operation, higher same-store sales and nine additional net restaurants in operation.