McDonald’s Corp. *
Christopher Kempczinski
CEO and president
2019: $5.2 million
2018: $4.7 million *
Stephen Easterbrook *
Former CEO and president
2019: $17.4 million
2018: $15.9 million
CEO pay ratio:
1,939:1
*In November 2019, McDonald’s board appointed Christopher Kempczinski as president and CEO following Stephen Easterbrook’s termination of employment by the company without cause. McDonald’s Corp. on Aug. 10 sued Easterbrook to recover compensation and severance benefits that would not have been retained if he had been terminated for cause after new allegations surfaced.
More details in SEC filing>>
Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Brian Niccol
CEO
2019: $16.1 million
2018: $33.5 million *
CEO pay ratio:
1,136:1
* Brian Niccol was appointed CEO of Chipotle on March 5, 2018
More details in SEC filing>>
Darden Restaurants Inc.
Eugene Lee Jr.
CEO and president
2020 (ended May 31*): $8.7 million
2019 (ended May 26): $10.7 million
* including base salary reduced in the first half of the fourth quarter because of COVID-19 and restored June 1.
CEO pay ratio (for fiscal 2020 ended May 31):
538:1
More details in SEC filing>>
Brinker International Inc.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
Papa John’s International Inc.
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Bloomin’ Brands Inc.
Bloomin Brands
The Cheesecake Factory Inc.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc.
Paul Murphy III
CEO and president
2019: $2.1 million *
* Paul Murphy III, was named CEO in October 2019, replacing Pattye Moore who took over as interim CEO when president and chief executive Denny Marie Post announced her retirement in April.
CEO pay ratio:
127:1
More details in SEC filing>>
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc.
El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc.
Biglari Holdings Inc.
Biglari Holdings Inc.
Sardar Biglari
CEO and chairman
2019: $900,000 *
2018: $900,000
* Direct compensation amount. The company says Sardar Biglari did not receive incentive pay in 2018 or 2019.
CEO pay ratio:
90:1
More details in SEC filing>>
Del Taco Restaurants Inc.
Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc.
Shake Shack Inc.
Knoxy Knox
