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Lisa Jennings
CARLSBAD Calif. Islands Restaurants has promoted Michael Smith to the role of president, effective immediately, officials announced Tuesday.
Smith — who grew up on Catalina Island off the Southern California coast — served previously as vice president of operations and has worked with the 57-unit casual-dining chain for 22 years.
He joined the company right out of college at an Islands location in West Los Angeles and soon became an assistant manager, officials said. Smith continued to climb the hierarchy ladder over the years, serving as general manager, regional manager, and director of operations for the company.
Smith replaces founder and chief executive Tony DeGrazier, who has also been serving as acting president since Doug Kollus left the position in mid-2008.
“Michael has been an integral part of our culture and growth for over two decades,” said DeGrazier. “We know Michael is a strong leader with a good vision and are very excited to have him step up and play an even more significant role in the next chapter of Islands.”
Based in Carlsbad, Calif., Islands features a tropical theme. The chain, which was founded in 1982, has units in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Hawaii.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
