Former CFO replaces Chris Harter
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Restaurants Unlimited Inc. chief financial officer Jim Eschweiler has been promoted to president and CEO.
Announced earlier this month, Eschweiler replaces former president and CEO Chris Harter, who left the company after four years.
Eschweiler joined RUI in April 2014 as chief financial officer, and is credited with streamlining and improving processes while managing the financial strategy of the multiconcept operator’s 22 restaurant brands, including 47 restaurants in 11 states.
Before joining RUI, Eschweiler was the CFO for Aritzia LP, a fashion retailer with more than 50 stores in the U.S. and Canada. He also worked at Distant Lands Coffee, which developed coffee programs for Panera and McDonald’s, as well the financial division of Starbucks Coffee Company.
Seattle-based RUI is owned by private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners Inc., and operates full-service one-off concepts such as Portland City Grill, Manzana Grill, Palisade, Cutters Crabhouse and Skates on the Bay, as well as small multi-unit brands like Stanford’s, Henry’s Tavern, Kincaid’s and Palomino Restaurant & Bar.
“Jim came to Restaurants Unlimited with a very impressive background having worked at many well-respected national and international companies,” said M. Steven Liff, senior managing director of Sun Capital Partners. “In the 15 months he has been with us, Jim has provided focus and vision to the organization. He was a natural choice as chief executive officer and is poised to take RUI to the next level in his new leadership role.”
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