NRN's - On the Move

Brinker names Chili’s, On the Border prexy

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Brinker International Inc. has named Wyman Roberts, its former chief marketing officer, to the role of president for both the Chili’s Grill & Bar and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina chains. He replaces Todd Diener, who has stepped down after 27 years with the company, Brinker said Friday.

Ted's Montana Grill names new CFO

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

The 55-unit Ted’s Montana Grill said it has named Danielle Clark chief financial officer. She replaces Susan Alvarez, who retired.

Kona Grill COO Bartholomay resigns

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Kona Grill Inc. said Friday that Mark L. Bartholomay had resigned as chief operating officer of the 24-unit chain “to pursue other business and personal interests.”

McCormick & Schmick's names new CFO

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Inc. on Wednesday named Michelle Lantow chief financial officer, effective. Jan. 6.

Panera’s CEO, Ron Shaich, to step down

Molly Gise — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Panera Bread Co. chief executive Ron Shaich will step down as chief executive next May and be replaced by co-chief operating officer Bill Moreton, the company said late Tuesday.

Donatone to lead Sodexo's education division

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Contract feeder Sodexo Inc. said Monday it had promoted Lorna Donatone to chief operating officer and president of its Education Market division.

Jamba promotes Shields to CMO

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Jamba Inc. has promoted Susan Shields to the role of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the 742-unit Jamba Juice smoothie chain, the company said Tuesday.

Donatos Pizza reorganizes company structure

Bret Thorn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Donatos Pizza has reorganized its corporate structure, dividing itself into restaurant and baking divisions to “better foster brand growth,” the company said Monday.

Sage hires Hoemann for ops role

Alan J. Liddle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

The eight-unit Sage Restaurant Group said Monday it had hired Dave Hoemann, a veteran of hotel, contract foodservice and restaurant companies, to serve as its vice president of food and beverage operations.

Kona Grill taps Buehler to be CEO

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Kona Grill Inc., parent of the 23-unit American grill-sushi bar chain, said Monday it had named Marc Buehler president and chief executive.

Starbucks taps Holmes to head HR

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Starbucks Coffee Co. said Thursday it named a former Microsoft executive Kalen Holmes executive vice president of the global coffeehouse chain’s “partner resources,” or human resources.

Ex-Wendy's CEO joins P.F. Chang's board

Ron Ruggless — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. said Kerrii B. Anderson, former chief executive and president of Wendy’s International Inc., had been added to its board, effective Oct. 22.

Starbucks settles dispute with ex-exec

Alan J. Liddle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Starbucks Corp. said it has settled a lawsuit against former executive Paul Twohig, who the coffeehouse chain alleged violated a non-compete agreement when he accepted a job at rival Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Counter taps Wright as svp franchise sales

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

The Counter, a 20-unit build-your-own-burger franchise concept, has hired former Panera Bread executive Peter Wright in the newly created position of senior vice president of franchise sales, officials announced Tuesday.

Benihana names Ames COO

Lisa Jennings — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Benihana Inc. on Monday named industry consultant Christopher Ames chief operating officer.

Ex-Caribou CEO joins Boardwalk franchisee

Mark Brandau — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Michael J. Coles, the founder of Great American Cookie Co. and the former chief executive of Caribou Coffee, has become a franchisee of Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries, a six-unit fast-casual chain based in Ocean City, Md.

Lentz named executive chef at Chicago's McCormick Place

Bret Thorn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Hans Lentz has been named executive chef of the McCormick Place convention center here, with responsibility for all menu preparation and selection for the 2.6-million-square-foot facility.

Dunkin' Brands hires new CMO

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Dunkin’ Brands Inc., parent of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, said Thursday it has appointed John Costello to the newly created post of chief global customer and marketing officer.

Ventura Foods names Furman president, CEO

Paul Frumkin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Former PepsiCo executive Christopher Furman has been named president and chief executive of Ventura Foods LLC, the edible oil-based food products company headquartered here.

Dunkin' Donuts names Twohig brand operating officer

Elissa Elan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:35 GMT

Dunkin' Brands Inc. said Monday it hired former Starbucks' executive Paul Twohig to serve as brand operating officer for its Dunkin' Donuts chain.