CULVER CITY Calif. Sizzler USA, the 226-unit chain based here, eliminated the position last week of vice president of company operations, which was held by David Hixenbaugh. The same week, Dudley McMahon, vice president of product development, stepped down to pursue other opportunities, according to company officials.
Ken Cole, president and chief executive, said Hixenbaugh's position will be replaced with a director of operations, which Cole said better fits with the company's previously announced strategy of growing through franchising. As part of that strategy, the company has reduced corporate-owned units to 36, in part by selling restaurants to franchisees to seed growth in new markets.
McMahon's position, however, will be filled and Cole said company officials have launched a search for McMahonÕs replacement.
The Sizzler USA brand was acquired by Australian private-equity firm Pacific Equity Partners in 2005, along with 85-unit Sizzler International, the 17-unit Pat & OscarÕs chain based in San Diego, and 112 KFC franchise units, primarily in Australia. The concept has evolved from a budget-priced steak-and-buffet outlet into what management describes as a casual and family dining hybrid.