Uno names Ian Baines president, CEO

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation, the parent of the Uno Chicago Grill chain, has named Ian Baines president and chief executive, the company said Friday.

Baines, who will assume the position on Jan. 7, replaces Frank Guidara, who will continue to work with Uno’s as a part-time consultant and advisor until July 2014.

Most recently, Baines served as senior vice president of strategic innovation for Brinker International and its Chili’s Grill & Bar brand. During his time there, he oversaw remodeling efforts for more than 800 corporate Chili’s restaurants, and the design and construction of Chili’s new prototype.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Ian’s caliber lead the next phase of the evolution of the Uno family of brands. Ian’s well-rounded experience, which includes a strong foundation of culinary and restaurant operating skills, combined with leadership positions at both Darden Restaurants and Brinker International, two well-respected companies in our industry, make Ian the perfect fit for Uno’s,” said Rob Webster, Uno's board chairman.

Baines has prior experience as president and CEO of Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill; regional vice president of operations at Brinker’s Romano’s Macaroni Grill brand; and president and chief operating officer of Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill, owned by Toronto-based SIR Corp. Restaurants.

“I feel honored to have been chosen to lead Uno’s and feel a huge sense of responsibility to do all that I possibly can to help the team achieve even higher levels of greatness for the business, its owners and for the individual employees and franchisees,” Baines said.

Guidara served as Uno’s president and chief executive for nearly eight years.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know Ian and believe that he has the right balance of skills and personality to continue to strengthen the culture at Uno’s. I am so proud of what the people in this company have achieved and the financial condition of Uno’s that I personally feel this is the perfect time for my transition to occur. I look forward to assisting Ian in any way that I can and wish him the best of luck in his new role," Guidara said.

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation has 143 company-owned and franchised restaurants located in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and several other countries.

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: January 4, 2013 This article corrects Ian Baines' last name.

Contact Marcella Veneziale at [email protected].