PJW Restaurant Group has promoted Jessica Breslow to chief executive from chief operating officer, succeeding Jim Fris, who is retiring.
The company operates 24-unit P.J. Whelihan’s Pub, a sports bar concept that operates in the Philadelphia suburbs, as well as three-unit The Pour House and single-unit Treno Pizza Bar, The ChopHouse, ChopHouse Grill, and Central Taco & Tequila.
Breslow joined PJW in 2016 to lead the company’s technology and marketing initiatives.
The company, which was acquired by private equity firm Garnett Station Partners in November of 2021, said in a release that Fris would remain a board member.
“I have every confidence in Jessica’s leadership, enthusiasm, experience, and energy to continue forward for a seamless transition,” Fris said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to see what comes next.”
Since Breslow became COO, the group has added 13 restaurants, nearly doubling sales, and the company credited her for implementing systems and technology, leveraging data and analytics, and building the team.
“I feel incredibly honored and humbled to step into the role of CEO at PJW Restaurant Group and lead this incredible team,” Breslow said in a statement. “Our restaurants are great because the people who work in them are great. They are extremely passionate about what they do and work hard to keep raising the bar — while having fun doing it. That translates to an even brighter future for our company — one I'm eager to lead.”
Before joining PJW, Breslow was an associate vice president for onsite operator Aramark, where she worked in marketing and operations strategies for its education foodservice business. Previously she had various dealer operations and customer service roles at Ford Motor Company.
She studied at Seton Hall University and has an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.
PJW Restaurant Group was founded in 1983 by Bob and Donna Platzer and is headquartered in Westmont, N.J.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
