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Inspire names John Kelly as chief company restaurant officerInspire names John Kelly as chief company restaurant officer

Portfolio group also promotes Tanishia Beacham to Sonic operations role and names Lou Beccarelli to succeed Kelly in the Arby’s ops position

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 8, 2022

1 Min Read
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Inspire Brands has promoted John Kelly to chief company restaurant officer, effective immediately, the company said Thursday.

Inspire-John-Kelly.jpgAtlanta-based Inspire, parent to Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco and Sonic Drive-In, said Kelly would join the executive team as well in the newly created position.

Previously, Kelly served as Arby’s chief operating officer, where he oversaw the North American operations for more than 3,500 restaurants. 

Inspire-Arby's-Lou-Beccarelli.jpgAn Inspire spokesperson said Kelly would be succeeded in the Arby’s role by Lou Beccarelli, who currently serves as regional vice president and division leader of operations a Dunkin’.

The company said Beccarelli had gained increasing responsibility at Dunkin’ over the past 31 years.

Inspire Brands also said Tanishia Beacham would be named Sonic brand chief operating officer, effective Oct. 1.

Beacham currently serves as senior vice president of franchise restaurant operations and has more than 21 years of operations experience at Sonic.

Inspire-Sonic-Tanishia-Beacham.jpgBeacham will succeed Eddie Saroch in the operations role at Sonic. A spokesperson said Saroch had left to pursue other opportunities.

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

 

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