Del Frisco’s names Neil Thomson CFODel Frisco’s names Neil Thomson CFO

Del Frisco's Restaurant Group Inc. has named Neil Thomson (left) chief financial officer, the company said Monday.

Thomson succeeds Tom Pennison, who has resigned but will assist in the transition, according to the Southlake, Texas-based operator, which owns the Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Del Frisco’s Grille and Sullivan’s Steakhouse brands.

Thomson most recently served as chief growth officer for the Pizza Hut Asia Pacific region, a division of Yum! Brands Inc. He was responsible for finance, development and supply chain functions for more than 4,500 restaurants.

“Throughout his extensive career, Neil has demonstrated his great talent in leading finance teams through a strong combination of strategic finance, development and corporate financial planning and analysis experience,” said Norman Abdallah, Del Frisco’s CEO, in a statement.

Prior to Pizza Hut Asia Pacific, Thomson was chief development officer for Pizza Hut International and held other financial leadership roles at Yum.

Abdallah thanked Pennison for his six years with Del Frisco’s, including leading the company through its initial public offering.

“He has been a tireless advocate for our brands, and we wish him well as he takes the next steps in his career,” Abdallah said.

For the first quarter ended March 21, Del Frisco’s net income fell 38.8 percent, to $3.3 million, or 14 cents per share, from $5.4 million, or 23 cents per share, the previous year. Revenue increased 3.3 percent, to $83.9 million, from $81.2 million in the same quarter last year.

Del Frisco’s systemwide same-sales slipped 0.2 percent in the first quarter. Same-store sales fell 0.5 percent at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, rose 1.1 percent at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and dropped 0.9 percent at Del Frisco’s Grille.

Del Frisco's Restaurant Group has 53 restaurants in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

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