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Michael Casey named chief development officer of SPB Hospitality

Casey joins SPB from Ideal Image and has spent much of his career leading restaurant brands in the development of new units and teams.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

July 24, 2023

1 Min Read
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SPB Hospitality has named Michael Casey as its new chief development officer. In this role, he will oversee real estate, licensing, franchising and development for the company’s portfolio, which includes J. Alexander’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and, most recently, Krystal.

His appointment comes on the heels of Josh Kern’s recent promotion as the permanent CEO of the company.

“Michael has demonstrated his ability to successfully represent a myriad of franchise concepts both within and outside the hospitality space. His knowledge of the markets, the brokers, multi-unit franchisees seeking expansion, along with a keen business sense will help our brands work together to offer operators more customized growth packages than ever before,” Kern said in a statement.

Casey joins SPB from Ideal Image, where he was responsible for overhauling its development function, including lease administration and renewal, landlord relations, and facilities management. He spent much of his career at leading restaurant brands managing the development of new units and teams, as well as driving growth initiatives and brand strategy.

“I am thrilled to join SPB Hospitality and work with a talented team of restaurateurs across the country,” he said in a statement. “SPB has an incredible line-up of brands that all present unique challenges and opportunities. I look forward to bringing my perspective to SPB’s growth strategy and working closely with our current and future franchise partners.”

Related:SPB interim CEO advances Krystal merger, deals with private-equity change

SPB Hospitality operates and franchises restaurants across 37 U.S. states and territories. In a recent interview, Kern said the company is “starting to turn on its business drivers and look at its growth potential.”

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

 

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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