Grill Concepts Inc., parent to brands that include The Grill on The Alley and The Daily Grill, has promoted John Sola to succeed co-founder Bob Spivak as president and CEO, the company said Wednesday.
The Los Angeles-based restaurant company said Sola will oversee all aspects of the organization, which spans more than 30 restaurants and includes In Short Order, Public School on Tap, Ritz Prime Seafood and Point Restaurants, a new concept that is in development.
“John has been my partner and friend since I started the company more than 30 years ago,” said Spivak, who co-founded The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, Calif., with co-partners Mike Weinstock and Dick Shapiro
“John is a true restaurateur with proven experience in operations and strategic development,” Spivak said in a statement. “Most importantly, he understands that our business is about people, and he has developed a strong culture to help our people thrive.”
Sola has worked with Grill Concepts for more than 30 years. He began his career as the executive chef at The Chronicle, in the Los Angeles area, and then went on to develop the first Grill on the Alley with Spivak.
In addition to Sola’s new positions, the company also promoted Thomas Kachani to executive vice president for operations, and Phil Kastel to executive vice president for culinary.
Sola said in a statement: “I look forward to building and growing our portfolio of restaurants with Thomas and Phil by introducing our brands to new markets, creating new concepts and continuing to cultivate the finest culinary and operations talent.”
Grill Concepts has its various concepts in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Washington, D.C.
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