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Black Bear Diner Taps Industry Veteran as New Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee

Redding, Calif. — Black Bear Diner, a leading full-service family dining concept known for its cabin-themed dining experience, has appointed Art Kilmer as chief operations officer (COO), replacing Jeff Guido, who retired on Aug. 14. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and positions Black Bear Diner for continued expansion. Kilmer brings over two decades of restaurant industry experience, most recently serving as COO for P.F. Chang’s for 6 years, where he was responsible for more than 200 domestic restaurants and worked with more than 95 international …

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Paris Baguette Names VP of Operations & VP of Development

by Katie Lee

Moonachie, N.J. — Paris Baguette, the renowned global bakery café franchise with over 170 locations across the U.S., has welcomed Norm Ginsberg to the team as its new vice president of operations. After 17 years with Bowlero, working his way up to key leadership positions, Ginsberg has developed a keen sense of what it means to always deliver the best possible experience through proper recruiting, training and operational systems. Ginsberg will oversee all operations aspects of Paris Baguette’s expanding network, focusing on maintaining the elevated guest experience, streamlining operations and …

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FAT Brands Bolsters Development Team with 2 New Senior Hires

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has hired Ammy Harrison as senior vice president of non-traditional development and Maiyo Hood as vice president of international development. The new team growth underscores FAT Brands’ commitment to driving organic growth, especially non-traditional and international. Year-over-year, the brand continues to build upon its over 2,300-unit global footprint. Harrison brings nearly 25 years of industry experience with high-growth restaurant brands, including spearheading non-traditional growth at Papa John’s International, Inc. Prior to joining FAT Brands, Harrison also served as vice president of …

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PUMA Appoints Senior Vice President, PUMA Group Sourcing

by Katie Lee

Herzogenaurach, Germany — Sports company PUMA has appointed Indrajeet Sen as senior vice president, PUMA group sourcing, taking over the operational responsibilities of the chief sourcing officer role. PUMA’s chief sourcing officer, Anne-Laure Descours, has decided not to extend her board contract and will support the company as an external advisor in the field of sustainability. In his new position, Sen will oversee the global sourcing and development of footwear, apparel and accessories, as well as operations and sustainability, reporting directly to PUMA’s chief product officer, Maria Valdes. He will …

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Tony Roma’s Appoints First Female CEO

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Tony Roma’s, the world’s largest casual-dining concept renowned for its ribs, has appointed Mohaimina ‘Mina’ Haque as chief executive officer. She is the first female CEO to helm the 52-year-old brand. Mina Haque, Esq., is a seasoned attorney and founder of The Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC. Since 2021, she has served as Tony Roma’s outside counsel, managing global legal matters and providing strategic guidance. An Official Member of the Forbes Business Council, Mina’s deep expertise in business and franchise law has been pivotal in driving …

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Retailer Disaster Planning Speeds Timeline to Restored Operations

by Sarah Daniels

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters pose a growing threat to many restaurants and retailers. All too often, unprepared businesses struggle to contend with property damage, power interruptions and repair delays that can plague communities for months in the wake of a catastrophic wildfire or storm. “Businesses that have stores operating in hurricane-prone areas like Florida or other regions threatened by natural disasters need to have a plan in place, with committed assets or a vendor to support them in an emergency,” says Bill Schaphorst, vice president of …

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Chipotle Names COO as its Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — The chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Brian Niccol, has accepted the role as chairman and CEO of Starbucks and will be leaving Chipotle on August 31, 2024. Niccol has served as Chipotle’s CEO since 2018 and as chairman of the board since 2020. Chipotle’s board of directors has appointed Scott Boatwright, chief operating officer, as interim CEO. Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 and has been instrumental in driving restaurant operations for the company’s more than 3,500 restaurants. He also led the integration of …

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Victoria’s Secret & Co. Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Reynoldsburg, Ohio — Victoria’s Secret & Co. and its board of directors have appointed Hillary Super as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective September 9, 2024. Super succeeds Martin Waters in both roles. Timothy (TJ) Johnson, VS&Co’s chief financial and administrative officer, will serve as interim CEO effective today through September 8, 2024. Waters will remain employed as an advisor to the company through August 31, 2024 to support a smooth transition. Super brings nearly three decades of retail merchant expertise and a successful track record …

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Starbucks Names Chipotle Chief as New Chairman and CEO

by Katie Lee

Seattle —  Starbucks has appointed Brian Niccol to chairman and chief executive officer. He will start in his new role on September 9, 2024. Rachel Ruggeri, chief financial officer of Starbucks, will serve as interim CEO until that time. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks board chair, will become lead independent director. Niccol currently serves as chairman and CEO of Chipotle. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Niccol has transformed Chipotle, focusing on people and culture, brand, menu innovation, operational excellence and digital transformation. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian to Starbucks. His phenomenal …

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Rosa Mexicano Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Mexican restaurant chain Rosa Mexicano has appointed hospitality veteran Matthew Licciardello as its new chief operating officer. “Licciardello is very accomplished with a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the hospitality industry. He will lead our operations team with excellence and innovation,” says Jim Mazany, CEO of Rosa Mexicano. Licciardello’s experience in the hospitality industry includes serving as senior vice president of operations at SPB Hospitality, where he led brands such as Rock Bottom Brewery, Gordon Biersch and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom. …

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