Krystal, Salsarita’s, Smokey Bones name new executives

The Krystal Co., Salsarita’s and Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill announced high-level executive changes this week.

Salsarita’s, the 80-unit Charlotte, N.C.-based Mexican cantina chain, said Larry Reinstein, president and chief operating officer since 2011, would step down on Oct. 1. Phil Friedman, who acquired the chain in June 2011 and is chairman and chief executive of parent Salsarita’s Holdings LLC, would assume Reinstein’s duties.

The Krystal Co., based in Atlanta, said it had named Gary Clough chief operating officer of the 350-unit burger chain. Clough most recently was senior vice president of Southern regional operations for Arby’s. He has also worked with Domino’s and Boston Chicken, now known as Boston Market. The company said Clough will be responsible for all corporate unit operations.

Smokey Bones, based in Orlando, Fla., named Robin Muller senior vice president of operations of the 65-unit casual-dining chain. Muller most recently held senior operations posts at California Pizza Kitchen and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. She began her restaurant career with Pizza Hut.

Tom Porfiris, previously Smokey Bones’ director of operations, was promoted to senior director of operations and reports to Muller.

This story has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: Oct. 17, 2013  A previous version of this story misstated the location of The Krystal Co.'s headquarters. The company is based in Atlanta.

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