San Diego — Luna Grill Mediterranean Kitchen has named Rich Pinnella as chief executive officer, marking a pivotal leadership transition as the fast-casual brand enters a new phase of rapid expansion. The move comes as its founder and longtime CEO, Sean Pourteymour, steps into the role of executive chairman and chairman of the board.
Pinnella, who joined Luna Grill 6 years ago as president, has been a key architect of the brand’s operational evolution, customer experience and expansion strategy.
“After 20 incredible years as CEO, it fills me with pride to pass the baton to Rich,” says Pourteymour. “From Day 1, my family and I knew he had what it took to lead this company into the future. Rich leads with integrity, vision and heart — and there’s no one better suited to guide Luna Grill into its most exciting chapter yet.”
Luna Grill has grown to over 50 restaurants throughout California and Texas — fueled by 4 consecutive years of same-store sales growth and 8 straight quarters of transaction gains. The brand recently announced its first of many Arizona locations and upcoming expansion into the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport.
Pinnella brings over 25 years of experience in food and hospitality, including brand leadership roles across both public and private companies.
Pourteymour will remain actively involved as executive chairman, providing strategic support to Pinnella and the executive leadership team.
Founded in 2004 in San Diego, Luna Grill is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant brand created by husband-and-wife team Sean and Maria Pourteymour. Luna Grill has grown to 51 locations across Southern California and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Luna Grill offers a contemporary take on classic Mediterranean cuisine: flame-grilled kabobs, signature wraps, bowls and salads crafted from antibiotic- and hormone-free proteins, fresh produce and family recipes made from scratch daily. For more information, visit www.LunaGrill.com.
SOURCE: Luna Grill