Ascent Hospitality Management, parent to the Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery brands, has hired Louis DiPietro as general counsel and corporate secretary, the company said Monday.
Atlanta-based Ascent said DiPietro has more than 18 years of restaurant industry leadership experience, most recently at Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc.
The company cited DiPietro's expertise in corporate governance, Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, risk management, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, and restaurant franchising.
“Along with his impressive resume in business and law, he has a deep understanding of the restaurant industry, and we are confident that his expertise will be a key contributor to the success of our portfolio going forward,” said James O’Reilly, Ascent CEO, in a statement.
“As we continue to scale Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, it will be critical to have strategic legal guidance that supports our growth as a leading franchisor in the family-dining segment,” O’Reilly said. “Lou is a perfect fit for the role.”
As general counsel, DiPietro will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters impacting the company, including regulatory compliance, franchise matters, contract negotiation, and risk management. He will also manage litigation, dispute resolution, and ensure adherence to labor and employment laws.
Prior to joining Ascent, DiPietro served as senior vice president, chief legal and people officer, and corporate secretary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, the holding company of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana brands.
Previously, he served as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Panera Bread Co. until 2018.
“I look forward to doing my part in positioning the company and its iconic, well-loved brands for success and assist in maintaining a leading reputation in the segment,” DiPietro said.
Ascent Hospitality Management owns and franchises nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
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