Norms Restaurants, a 21-unit Southern California family-dining brand, has named Eric Wyatt as president and CEO, the company said Thursday.
The Bellflower, Calif.-based Norms said Wyatt, most recently senior vice president for operations at Hardee’s parent CKE Restaurant Holdings and a former executive at Starbucks Corp., Yum Brands Inc. and Panera Bread, succeeds Mike Colonna in the position. Wyatt assumed the Norms’ post in January.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the team of an iconic brand like Norms Restaurants,” Wyatt said in a statement.
“While the company’s legacy has been deeply rooted in Southern California for the last 70-plus years,” Wyatt said, “I am eager to kick off the next phase of Norms’ growth and development by expanding within Southern California and new markets, broadening our consumer appeal to reach new audiences and more.”
The company said it plans to open two new Southern California locations in Ontario and Hollywood this spring.
Founder Norm Roybark opened the first 24/7 restaurant 1949 near Sunset and Vine in Hollywood. The brand now has locations in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.
The La Cienega location opened in 1957 entrenched the brand in the so-called Googie architecture of the mid-1900 Century, and the sawtooth pendant Norms sign continues the Googie style.
Wyatt said new uniforms for team members are expected in the coming months.
The company said Wyatt has also worked in leadership roles at Boston Market, Corner Bakery Café and Mobil Oil Corp.
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