Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants has named Peter D’Amelio, who served as president of The Cheesecake Factory for 14 years, its first chief operating officer, the company said Friday.

D’Amelio most recently served as president and chief operating officer of the Great American Restaurant Group. Prior to that, he was president of The Cheesecake Factory from 1990–2004, before becoming chief operating officer there from 2004–2007. During the latter period, he also served as president of Grand Lux Café.

D’Amelio will begin his new position at Cooper’s Hawk on Dec. 1.

“We are thrilled Peter D’Amelio will be a part of our team,” Tim McEnery, founder and president of Countryside, Ill-based Cooper’s Hawk, said in a statement. “He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with him as Cooper’s Hawk continues to expand throughout the country.”

Before naming D’Amelio to the position, Cooper’s Hawk did not have a chief operating officer, but created the role due to the brand’s growth and the expansion of its support team, a company spokesperson said.

“I am excited to be joining Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants. I look forward to working with Tim and the entire team as we continue to develop a national brand based on great people, outstanding food and wine, and exemplary service,” D’Amelio said in a statement. “This foundation will serve us well as we make Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants the place to be.”

Cooper’s Hawk, which was founded in 2005, operates a combination of wineries, restaurants and retail stores. Its eighth location is scheduled to open later this month.

Contact Charlie Duerr at charles.duerr@penton.com.