BR Guest restructures after departure of COOBR Guest restructures after departure of COO

NEW YORK Michael Jacobs has stepped down as chief operating officer of multi-concept operator BR Guest Restaurants to become president of the Crunch Fitness gym chain.

Jacobson’s former post will not be filled because of a restructuring of BR Guest, a spokeswoman for the New York-based company said. His duties, she indicated, have been split among Chris Giarraputo, who was promoted to vice president of back-of-the-house operations; Wendy Schlazer, who was appointed vice president of front-of-the-house operations; and Alan Hochhauser, who was named vice president of financial operations.

Steve Hanson remains president and chief executive of the company.

Jacobson started at BR Guest as chief financial officer in 2000 and was promoted to the COO post in 2007.

BR Guest operates such upscale casual concepts as Blue Water Grill, Ruby Foo’s, Dos Caminos, Vento and Wildwood Barbeque, its newest brand.