California Pizza Kitchen Inc. has named former Texas Roadhouse chief executive G.J. Hart its new president, chief executive and executive chairman, succeeding Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, the CPK co-founders.
The Los Angeles-based owner of the namesake 262-unit casual-dining chain said its going-private buyout in July made it the right time to bring in new leadership. CPK was purchased by private-equity firm Golden Gate Capital for $470 million.
In a joint statement released Thursday, Rosenfield and Flax said the company needed “a new CEO with the operational and strategic expertise to take CPK to the next level of performance.”
“In G.J., we have found a talented leader with demonstrated success in building one of the most popular and respected casual-dining brands through employee loyalty and a focus on delivering a superior dining experience for consumers,” Rosenfield and Flax said. “His leadership skills and entrepreneurial drive, combined with CPK’s reputation of delivering delicious, innovative food and excellent service, position the company for continued success.”
Hart most recently was chief executive of Louisville, Ky.-based Texas Roadhouse Inc., where he worked for 10 years. Under his leadership, Texas Roadhouse grew its annual revenues from $63 million to more than $1 billion and expanded to its current level of more than 350 restaurants in 46 states.
Hart said: “I am excited to be joining California Pizza Kitchen, a company that has earned an exceptional brand reputation by consistently raising the bar for excellence and innovation in a competitive and dynamic marketplace.”
Hart currently serves on the board for Kosair Children’s Hospital, Bellarmine University and the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, and his philanthropic activities include involvement with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, the United Way and the American Red Cross.
San Francisco-based Golden Gate Capital also has significant investments in On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].
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