Restaurant chains appoint new chief executive officers
In the past five weeks, a series of leadership changes have swept through the restaurant industry, with several well-known chains announcing new CEOs.
California-based Luna Grill has appointed Rich Pinnella as its new CEO, marking the first time the Mediterranean restaurant chain has named a new CEO in two decades. Pinnella, who joined Luna Grill six years ago, has been instrumental in operations, customer experience, and expansion strategy improvements. Prior to Luna Grill, Pinnella worked for over 20 years at Taco Bell, leaving as vice president and general manager. Luna Grill's founder, Pourteymour, has stepped back to become executive chairman and chairman of the board.
Another change occurred at Pizza Factory, which was recently acquired by Wonder Franchises. Lisa Roscoe has been named as the new CEO, taking over from Mary Jane Riva. Roscoe, a thoughtful, approachable, and genuinely invested leader, according to Riva, has held development and legal roles at concepts such as St. Louis Bar & Kitchen and Tim Hortons. Wonder Franchises, which also owns Vio Med Spa and Christmas Décor, acquired both companies last year.
Smashburger, a global burger chain, has named Jim Sullivan as its new CEO. This is the third straight year that Smashburger has named a new CEO. Sullivan has a history as a development executive, previously working with Qdoba, CKE Restaurants, Friendly's, Modern Restaurant Concepts, and American Hospitality Concepts.
In addition to these changes, Starbird, Subway, Dave & Buster’s, and The Melting Pot have all named new CEOs. Wendy’s and Topgolf have seen their CEOs, Kirk Tanner and Artie Starrs, leave their roles to join non-restaurant companies, Hershey and Harley Davidson, respectively.
These changes reflect an active period of leadership transitions across multiple well-known chains, signalling a shift in the direction of these companies. As these new leaders settle into their roles, it will be interesting to see how they will shape the future of these restaurant chains.
[1] "Luna Grill Names New CEO" - Restaurant Business Online [3] "Pizza Factory Names New CEO" - Pizza Today [5] "Smashburger Names New CEO" - Nation's Restaurant News
- Luna Grill's recent appointment of Rich Pinnella as CEO signifies a significant change in the finance and business operations of the Mediterranean restaurant chain, given his extensive experience in the industry.
- The customer experience and franchising aspects of Pizza Factory are expected to undergo changes under the leadership of Lisa Roscoe, the new CEO, following the acquisition of the company by Wonder Franchises.
- The ongoing trend of leadership changes, including the appointment of Jim Sullivan as the new CEO of Smashburger, mirrors an industry-wide shift in the restaurant finance and business landscape.
