Get to know the restaurant industry's new presidents and CEOs named in 2015.
John Nelson, CEO, MOD Pizza U.K.
In December, MOD Pizza named John Nelson, formerly of Nando's, CEO of U.K. operations.
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Robert Merritt, CEO, Ignite Restaurant Group
In November, Ignite Restaurant Group named Robert Merritt CEO after the departure of Ray Blanchette.
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Saed Mohseni, president and CEO, Bob Evans Farms
In November, Bob Evans Farms named Saed Mohseni president and CEO following his resignation from Bravo Brio Restaurant Group.
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Brian O’Malley, CEO, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group
Bravo Brio Restaurant Group
In November, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group named Brian O’Malley CEO after Saed Mohseni resigned from the role effective Dec. 28.
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Robert Morgan, president and CEO, Muscle Maker Grill
In October, Muscle Maker Grill promoted COO Robert Morgan to the role of president and CEO.
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Starlette Johnson, CEO, Twin Restaurant Holdings
Twin Restaurant Holdings
In October, Twin Peaks parent Twin Restaurant Holdings named Starlette Johnson CEO.
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Jonathan T. Drake, CEO, Famous Brands
In October, Famous Brands, parent to the TCBY and Mrs. Fields brands, named Jonathan T. Drake CEO as the company planned to diversify its products.
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Stephen Judge, CEO, Romacorp
Romacorp
In September, Romacorp named former Bonefish Grill president Stephen Judge CEO.
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Jim Metevier, president, Biscuitville
Biscuitville
In September, Biscuitville named former Yum! Brands Inc. executive Jim Metevier president of the fast-casual, breakfast-focused chain.
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John Fuller, CEO, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
In September, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf named former Johnny Rockets chief executive John Fuller CEO.
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Micky Pant, CEO, Yum China
In August, Micky Pant was named CEO of Yum China, following the retirement of Sam Su.
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David Kirchhoff, CEO, Snap Kitchen
Snap Kitchen
In August, former Weight Watchers executive David Kirchhoff was named CEO of Snap Kitchen, following the chain's raising of $22 million in capital funds.
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Ryan Esko, president and CEO, Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones
In August, Sun Capital principal Ryan Esko was named president and CEO of Smokey Bones, replacing Chris Artinian at the casual-dining chain.
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Steve Ritchie, president, Papa John's
Papa John's
In July, Papa John’s COO Steve Ritchie added the responsibilities of president to his role.
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Jim Eschweiler, president and CEO, Restaurants Unlimited
Restaurants Unlimited
In July, Restaurants Unlimited named former chief financial officer Jim Eschweiler president and CEO, replacing Chris Harter.
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Todd Burrowes, president, LongHorn Steakhouse
Darden Restaurants Inc.
In July, LongHorn Steakhouse parent Darden Restaurants Inc. named Todd Burrowes president after he spent two years at Ruby Tuesday.
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Jeff Carcara, president, Barteca Holdings
In July, Barteca Holdings named Jeff Carcara president as the company plans to grow.
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Pietro Satriano, CEO, US Foods
Jim Kuhn, CEO, Genghis Grill
In July, Genghis Grill named Jim Kuhn CEO, succeeding Al Bhakta at the Mongolian stir-fry concept.
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Suzanne Greco, president, Subway
In June, Subway named Suzanne Greco president as her brother Fred DeLuca, founder and CEO of the chain, battles cancer.
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Ned Lidvall, president, O'Charley's
In June, O’Charley’s named industry veteran Ned Lidvall president during a time of growth.
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Keith Kinsey, CEO, Portillo's
Karen Eadon, president and COO, Farmer Boys
In June, Farmer Boys named Karen Eadon president and COO, succeeding Ken Clark.
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Drew Madsen, president, Panera Bread
Darren Rebelez, president, IHOP
In April, IHOP named Darren Rebelez president, replacing Julia Stewart, chairman and CEO of parent DineEquity Inc., who had served in an interim role.
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Glenn Cybulski, CEO, Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria
In April, Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria named co-founder Glenn Cybulski CEO, as the fast-casual pizza brand prepared to grow.
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John Cahill, president, La Madeleine
In March, La Madeleine named John Cahill president of the bakery-café chain.
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Michael Osanloo, CEO, P.F. Chang's
Bryan Lockwood, CEO, Real Mex
In March, Real Mex named Bryan Lockwood CEO, the operator’s third chief executive in four years.
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Charles Bruce, CEO, Johnny Rockets
James O'Reilly, CEO, Long John Silver's
In February, Long John Silver's named James O'Reilly CEO, replacing Mike Kern.
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Gene Lee, CEO, Darden Restaurants Inc.
In February, Darden Restaurants Inc. named Gene Lee CEO, after he had served in an interim capacity.
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Phil Keiser, CEO, Culver's
In February, Culver’s named Phil Keiser CEO, replacing co-founder Craig Culver.
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Craig Grimes, CEO, Native Foods Café
In February, Native Foods Café named Craig Grimes CEO as the chain plotted growth.
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Joe Guith, president, Cinnabon
In February, Cinnabon promoted Joe Guith to president, succeeding Kat Cole.
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Mark Davis, president and CEO, Tokyo Joe's
In February, Tokyo Joe’s named Mark Davis president and CEO, replacing Greg MacDonald.
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Dave Barrows, president, Bruxië
In January, waffle sandwich chain Bruxië named Dave Barrows its first president.
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Steve Easterbrook, CEO, McDonald's
In January, McDonald's named Steve Easterbrook CEO, replacing Don Thompson.
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Doug Pendergast, president and CEO, Quiznos
In January, Quiznos named Doug Pendergast president and CEO, replacing Stuart Mathis.
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Geoff Goodman, president, Orange Leaf
In January, Orange Leaf named Geoff Goodman president of the frozen-yogurt chain.
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Lance Trenary, CEO, Golden Corral
In January, Golden Corral named Lance Trenary CEO, only the buffet chain's third chief executive in its 43-year history.
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Omar Janjua, president and CEO, Krystal
In January, Krystal named Omar Janjua president and CEO of the quick-service burger operator.
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