Sponsored By

Paul Martin’s American Grill names CEOPaul Martin’s American Grill names CEO

Former Tijuana Flats chief Brad Kaemmer to head 10-unit casual-dining concept

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 19, 2016

1 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

The 10-unit Paul Martin’s American Grill has named Brad Kaemmer its first CEO, the company said Friday.

The Newport Beach, Calif.-based casual-dining company said Kaemmer would oversee strategy with company founders Brian Bennett and Paul Fleming.

Kaemmer was most recently CEO of Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex, which has 115 fast-casual restaurants in the Southeast.

Of Kaemmer, Fleming said in statement: “As we continue to develop, create and adhere to our goals and targets for the future, we are assured with his experience and attitude he’s the right fit for the role.

“We feel confident he will help us share our scratch-made message,” Fleming said, “and maintain the integrity of our ‘seasonal and delicious’ philosophy.”

The company said Kaemmer will oversee and manage strategic operating plans as well as new business development.

Paul Martin’s was founded in 2007 in Roseville, Calif., and has added locations in Arizona, California and, as of last year, Texas. The concept’s 10th location opened in January in Pasadena, Calif. Part of the brand’s philosophy is to forge relationships with local farmers and purveyors.

Before joining Tijuana Flats in June 2013, Kaemmer worked with such hospitality companies as Boca Restaurant Group and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.