Houston — Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc. has named Debra Eybers as its interim chief operating officer, effective November 29, 2016. In addition, Lou Anne Banks joined the company as vice president of marketing on October 17, 2016.
“We are excited to have Deb and Lou Anne join the Ignite team,” says Robert S. Merritt, chief executive officer of Ignite Restaurant Group. “They both bring a wealth of industry experience that will be instrumental in our future success. We look forward to working with Deb and Lou Anne as they help lead two important areas of focus for our company.”
Eybers has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of operational and leadership roles within the restaurant industry. For the past several years, she served as a consultant for several restaurant companies, including Ruth’s Hospitality Group and The Palm Restaurant. Eybers previously served as the president of House of Blues and as president of Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Banks has more than 20 years of experience leading marketing and public relations for restaurants, retailers and other multi-unit organizations in both corporate and agency environments. She previously served as the director of marketing for Bonefish Grill and the vice president of marketing for Johnny Rockets. Banks also served as a senior agency strategist to McDonald’s Restaurants, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, White Castle, Logan’s Roadhouse and Firehouse Subs.
Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, operates a portfolio of restaurant concepts, including Joe’s Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern + Tap. For more information, visit www.igniterestaurantgroup.com.
SOURCE: Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc.