SCOTTSDALE Ariz. P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. on Tuesday said Russell Owens, president of its Pei Wei Asian Diner division, would resign as of December to pursue other interests.
The company said a search for Owens’ replacement would begin immediately. He has been as president of the fast-casual Pei Wei concept since joining the company in May 2001.
“Russell is a true professional who nurtured the Pei Wei business from an embryonic concept with two restaurants to a strong business with 159 locations across the country and that’s an amazing accomplishment,” said Rick Federico, P.F. Chang’s chairman and chief executive.
Late last month, P.F. Chang's said it would close 10 underperforming Pei Wei units that struggled with negative same-store sales, which the company blamed on "poor site selection." The company said it expects to open six to 10 Pei Wei locations in fiscal 2009. That compares with 25 new Pei Wei restaurants expected to be open by the end of the current fiscal year.
