Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Get to Know: Jack Crawford

By Sara Rush Wirth on Feb. 27, 2015

Why Crawford? Some say the NRA has a message problem when it comes to its stance on hot-button topics; they've got a good story to tell but are being beat by unions and lawmakers. Will its newest chairman make a difference? He might, based on his past at Ground Round Grill & Bar, based in Freeport, Maine.

Leadership

4 exec changes that shook the restaurant business

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 25, 2016

The past year reaffirmed that tough times bring many changes in restaurant leadership. Here are four of the most dramatic shifts.

Leadership

Ron Shaich to step down as Panera CEO

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 08, 2017

He'll be succeeded by Blaine Hurst, but will remain involved with the chain while simultaneously serving in a strategic role for owner JAB Holdings.

Leadership

Lots of restaurants changed CEOs this year

Dec. 26, 2017

Papa John's, Chipotle, Panera, Buffalo Wild Wings among companies whose top executives left in 2017.

Leadership

Red Mango owner Brix names Craig Erlich CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 29, 2018

He's given credit for expanding product offerings and focusing on remodels.

Leadership

Nik Rupp named Papa Murphy’s CFO

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 27, 2018

The former bicycle company executive will replace Mark Hutchens, who had been named COO.

Leadership

Zaxby’s names Joel Bulger CMO

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 25, 2018

Industry veteran to “strengthen digital and social platforms.”

Leadership

7-Eleven CEO talks change, not encroachment

By Steve Holtz on May 01, 2013

The CEO of 7-Eleven could have boasted about the inroads his chain has made into a market that was once owned by attendees of the Restaurant Leadership Conference. Joe DePinto certainly had the sales numbers to support a little braggadocio: $2.7 billion from fresh food, $5 billion from beverages, 1 million cups of coffee, 100 million fountain drinks.

Leadership