Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has named two executives to key leadership positions, the company said Monday.
The Greenwood Village, Colo.-based casual-dining company named Denny Marie Post to the new position of chief concept officer, and Lee Dolan succeeded her as chief marketing officer.
Post, who will also serve as an executive vice president, joined Red Robin in August 2011 as CMO. Dolan most recently was vice president of brand marketing for Cabela’s, the outdoor recreation retailer.
“Since joining the Red Robin team, Denny's leadership in the areas of marketing, food and beverage innovation, guest loyalty and brand transformation have been vital to driving our business results," said Steve Carley, Red Robin’s CEO, in a statement.
"As executive vice president and chief concept officer, Denny will continue overseeing teams that are critical to building the Red Robin brand and strengthening our performance,” Carley said. “Given her impressive track record to date, we believe that Denny's responsibilities will continue to grow and her leadership will remain key to our future success."
As chief concept officer, Post will oversee Red Robin’s franchise operations, marketing, menu innovation and implementation and the brand transformation teams. She will also serve as president of RRGB Restaurants Canada, Inc.
Dolan will report to Post and be responsible for the company's guest engagement, including menu innovation and implementation, customer relationship management, social media, brand positioning, pricing, promotions, field marketing and media strategy.
Prior to his role at Cabela’s, Dolan held sales, marketing and management roles at MillerCoors and Coors Brewing Co.
“I am excited about the opportunity to unite two of my lifelong passions, burgers and brews," Dolan said in a statement. “There are plenty of opportunities to engage with more guests and create even more Red Robin fans for life.”
Red Robin ended 2014 with 514 restaurants, including 408 company-owned restaurants, seven Burger Works units and 99 franchised locations.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, Red Robin’s net income fell 43 percent to $3.9 million, or 28 cents per share, compared with $7 million, or 48 cents per share a year earlier, including an $8.8 million pre-tax impairment charge. Adjusted earnings were $9.4 million, or 66 cents per share, compared with $9.1 million, or 62 cents per share a year earlier.
Company restaurant revenue increased nearly 17 percent, to $282.1 million, for the quarter. Systemwide, including franchised locations, revenue totaled $348 million, compared with $324.2 million the previous year.
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