Crawford worked with chefs on menu additions to debut this week
Roy’s has promoted John Crawford to chief operating officer, the casual-dining chain said Tuesday.
Crawford, who joined Dallas-based Roy’s in October as vice president of operations, succeeds Mario Cerdanas, who left the company in November.
"In the short time John has been on the team, the impact he has had on Roy's has been significant," said Sunil Dharod, owner of SSCP Management Inc., parent of 17-unit Roy's.
Dharod said one area of change includes Roy’s menu, which will include new additions this week. Crawford, working with restaurant chefs, analyzed menu trends and reviewed customer feedback.
Menu additions include Hawaiian opah, Moroccan-spice grilled swordfish, and a 14-ounce prime New York strip steak with lobster macaroni and cheese.
"Collaboration is the key to success, and the work we were able to do in three short months was remarkable,” Crawford said in a statement. “I truly look forward to working with this talented group and the entire leadership team as we continue to accelerate the menu innovation work at Roy's."
Prior to joining Roy's in October, Crawford worked for 10 years at Ruth's Chris Steak House as vice president of franchise operations and development. He also worked for 20 years with Metromedia Restaurant Group and served as vice president of worldwide franchise operations for Bennigan's.
Roy’s was created by James Beard Foundation award-winner Roy Yamaguchi, who opened the first unit in Honolulu, in 1988.
SSCP Management acquired Roy’s from Bloomin’ Brands Inc. in 2015.
SSCP Management's affiliate companies also own and operate 65 Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations, 50 Sonic Drive-In units and one Slim Chickens restaurant.
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