Smokey Bones promotes COO Hal Lawlor to president/COOSmokey Bones promotes COO Hal Lawlor to president/COO

Hal Lawlor, who joined Smokey Bones as chief operating officer in 2019, has been promoted to the chain’s newly-created position of president and COO. He succeeds James O’Reilly, who was recently named CEO of Huddle House and Perkins’ parent company, Ascent Hospitality Management.

Lawlor has over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including roles with P.F. Chang’s and Red Lobster. His expertise includes operations, consumer preferences, off-premises programs, and market trends. As COO of Smokey Bones, he has helped implement processes to increase efficiency, enhance the guest experience, and optimize the company’s cost structure. Under Lawlor’s leadership, Smokey Bones has been implementing AI machine learning to assist in operations, including table management and labor scheduling.

“I’m honored to take the reins and lead both my peers and the field at this exciting time for Smokey Bones, as we continue to build on our momentum,” Lawlor said in a statement. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of this amazing brand for a few years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop the brand through our restaurant operations, our dining experience and our people, who make both of those possible."

Smokey Bones has 62 locations across 16 states. According to Datassential’s Top 500, the company generated $183.3 million in 2022, marking a 14.5% year-over-year increase. AUVs also rose about 14%, to $2.9 million.

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Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]