Black Bear Diner has named Art Kilmer as its chief operations officer, replacing Jeff Guido, who retired August 14. This strategic hire underscores the company's commitment to operational excellence and positions Black Bear Diner for continued expansion, according to the company.
Kilmer brings over two decades of restaurant industry experience to Black Bear Diner, most recently serving as COO for P.F. Chang's for six years, where he was responsible for more than 200 domestic restaurants and worked with over 95 international and airport franchises. He has experience overseeing operations, supply chain, training and development, culinary innovation, marketing, and franchise development.
“We're thrilled to welcome Art Kilmer to the Black Bear Diner family. Art's extensive experience, his leadership, and his proven track record in driving operational excellence align perfectly with our growth strategy,” chief executive officer Anita Adams said in a statement. “His passion for the restaurant industry and commitment to exceptional guest experiences make him an ideal fit for our team as we continue to expand and serve more communities.”
Black Bear Diner was founded in 1995 and now includes 160 locations in 13 states. The company finished 2023 with nearly $438 million in sales, according to Technomic data, while its footprint grew by 2%. The company is eyeing additional growth, including new markets, in the coming year, Adams said during a recent interview.
“The brand's potential is evident, and I'm impressed by the team's passion for hospitality. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and franchisees to build upon Black Bear Diner's strong foundation,” Kilmer said in a statement. “Together, we'll work to enhance our guest experience, expand our market presence and drive sustainable growth while honoring the unique charm that defines Black Bear Diner.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
