COLUMBUS Ohio Max & Erma’s, a casual-dining operator and franchisor, has named BJ's and The Cheesecake Factory veteran Michael Nahkunst to succeed Jim Howenstein as chief operating officer.
Howenstein is vacating the post after two years to become a regional vice president.
In addition to serving in operations capacities for the BJ's and Cheesecake Factory casual-dining chains, Nahkunst worked for Chili’s during one of its periods of rapid expansion. He also operated his own restaurants for three years and has worked as a consultant.
Max & Erma’s, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in December, owns and operates 77 restaurants and franchises 24 units in 11 states. The chain, based here, has been focused on rebranding, menu upgrades and franchise expansion.
“Mike has an innate ability to grow a brand,” said Max & Erma's president Rob Lindeman. “I doubt there is anyone in our industry with a better understanding of how to put the right infrastructure and the right people in place.”
