Daphne’s names Fricker as first-ever presidentDaphne’s names Fricker as first-ever president

SAN DIEGO Former Panera Bread operator Steve Fricker has been named president of the 70-unit Daphne’s Greek Cafe fast-casual chain.

Fricker, who also has worked with Jack in the Box and the casual-dining brands of OSI Restaurant Partners Inc., is the first person to hold the president’s title at Daphne’s, a San Diego-based concept founded by chief executive George Katakalidis.

Katakalidis indicated that he plans to delegate day-to-day operations to Fricker so he can focus more on strategic initiatives for expansion.

Fricker was previously president and chief executive of R&S Bread Group, a Panera Bread franchisee.