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Del Frisco’s makes key promotionsDel Frisco’s makes key promotions

Company names new heads of human resources and development

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 30, 2016

1 Min Read
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Del Frisco's Restaurant Group Inc. has promoted two executives to new positions in human resources and development, the company said Tuesday.

The Southlake, Texas-based parent to Del Frisco’s Steak House, Del Frisco’s Grille and Sullivan’s Steakhouse named April Scopa as chief people officer and William Martens III as chief development officer.

“April and Bill's deep knowledge of our company and brands coupled with their experience and positive contributions over the years make them the ideal candidates to lead our human resources and development,” said Norman Abdallah, who succeeded Mark Mednansky as Del Frisco’s CEO earlier in November.

Scopa had served as Del Frisco’s vice president of people and education since June 2011. Prior to joining Del Frisco’s, Scopa worked with Landmark Leisure Group and with The Capital Grille, the upscale steakhouse division of Darden Restaurants Inc. She also worked in training and operations for C.A. Muer Corp. and LongHorn Steakhouse.

William Martens had served as Del Frisco’s vice president of development and construction since 2011. Previously, he had served as vice president of portfolio management at Hudson Americas LLC and in various leadership roles at Yum! Brands Inc.

Del Frisco's Restaurant Group has 53 restaurants across 24 states and Washington, D.C.

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

Photos courtesy of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group

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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