Ruby’s Diner Inc. has named former Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. CEO Scott Barnett interim CEO, replacing the chain’s founder, Doug Cavanaugh, who remains as chairman, the company said Thursday.
The appointment marks the first time Ruby’s will have a CEO other than Cavanaugh in its 33-year history, Cavanaugh noted.
“Scott was brought in because of his previous endeavors and great leadership skills,” particularly his experience with international franchising, Cavanaugh said. “I’m a dyed-in-the-wool entrepreneur. He’s a professional manager.”
Barnett served most recently as a consultant on investment banking projects in Hong Kong. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of Rusty Pelican Restaurants, and later became president and CEO of Bubba Gump, which was a spinoff of Rusty Pelican.
Barnett left Bubba Gump in February 2010. Later that year, the chain was acquired by Landry’s Inc.
Cavanaugh said he will remain focused on working with the chain’s new menu, franchising and the development of potential retail products.
Known for its 1940s-diner-themed restaurants serving breakfast, burgers, shakes and fries, Irvine, Calif.-based Ruby’s operates 17 Ruby’s Diner locations in Southern California and Hawaii, and has 19 franchise locations in California, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas and Pennsylvania. The company also operates one location of Ruby’s Shake Shack in Newport Beach, Calif.
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