Metro Diner names two new executivesMetro Diner names two new executives

Metro Diner has named two new executives to leadership roles at the 63-unit diner concept, the company said Thursday.

Tampa, Fla.-based Metro Diner said Stanley Goodman, left, who most recently worked with Outback Steakhouse in Canada, was named to the new position of chief operating officer, and John Kunkel was named chief financial officer, succeeding David Koehler in that role.

The diner brand expects to end the year with 66 units, the company said, and it has been expanding since an investment in 2015 by Tampa-based ConSul Partners LLC, chaired by Outback founder Chris T. Sullivan.

“The big picture as we continue our solid growth is to bring aboard top-level industry professionals to supplement our high-impact leadership team," said Carl Sahlsten, Metro Diner CEO, in a statement.

"We have always been focused on operations, and we're thrilled to have Stanley drive operational excellence,” Sahlsten said. “As CFO, John brings extensive financial experience that will complement our solid foundation permitting continued growth."

Prior to joining Metro Diner, Goodman worked the founders of ConSul Partners, operating its Outback Steakhouses in Canada.

“We have confidence that with great managing partners at every diner, we will continue our strong growth and be even more competitive in the industry,” Goodman said.

Kunkel, left, has worked on the investment side of Metro Diner. He will be responsible for financial projections and investor communications.

Metro was founded in 1992 in Jacksonville, Fla. It has restaurants in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia and locations planned for New Jersey and South Carolina.

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