The quick-service beef bowl concept Yoshinoya Japanese Kitchen has named former Moe’s Southwest Grill executive Jon Gilliam CEO, the company said Wednesday. He replaces former CEO Dar Vasseghi, who is now CEO of Tartine Bakery.
Gilliam, who served previously as Moe’s vice president of operations and retail technology, joins Yoshinoya as the Torrance, Calif.-based chain plans to ramp up expansion. Gilliam will play a pivotal role in guiding the brand evolution, streamlining operations and enhancing the menu, the company said. The chain is already testing a new kitchen layout to increase throughput and enhance the guest experience.
Prior to his work at Moe’s, Gilliam held leadership roles at Jamba, SusieCakes Bakery and Starbucks.
“Yoshinoya is a strong brand with a devoted fan base and mouth-watering menu items, made from high-quality ingredients and cooked with care in our kitchens daily. Building on the company’s rebranding initiative and establishment of off-premise sales channels, I look forward to leading its continued evolution, while staying true to our rich Japanese heritage,” said Gilliam in a statement.
Yoshinoya is one of the world’s oldest restaurant chains, founded in Tokyo in 1899. The global company operates or franchises more than 2,000 restaurants in Japan, mainland China, Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and the U.S., including more than 100 units in California.
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