Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel | All photos courtesy of the brands.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores has put another component of its rejuvenation effort in place with the appointment of Sarah Moore as CMO. Her task is “taking what is beloved and differentiated about the brand and building on it,” according to the retro-themed chain. Moore has spent 20 years in marketing, most recently as SVP for MGM Resorts International, parent of Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand lodging properties.
Donna Spangler is the new chief brand officer for Schlotzsky’s, one of the seven brands within the GoTo Foods portfolio. Spangler was most recently the chief marketing officer for Shipley Do-nuts, and has also served as CMO for Fazoli’s and Corner Bakery.
Sam Hallak, Innovative Dining Group
Sam Hallak has been named chief operating officer at Los Angeles-based Innovative Dining Group, which is parent to the restaurant brands BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku and Katana.
Molly Winkler, Fish City Grill
Fish City Grill named Molly Winkler as its new executive chef. Winkler most recently headed the kitchen at TJ’s Seafood in Dallas and previously worked at Walt Disney World. “We decided to bring in an accomplished executive chef to lead our culinary direction,” said Bill Bayne, co-founder of Fish City Grill and Half Shells. “As we seek to stay relevant with our current customer base, we also want to be able to appeal to a younger but still mature demographic by offering newer menu and chalkboard items that are on trend, fresh and unique.”
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has named Haley Lueth to the role of franchise business consultant. She began her career at Happy Joe’s in 2010 as a cook and climbed the ladder into management adm eventually Operator of the Year. She is tasked with bridging the gap between franchisees and the support center and helping to improve restaurant performance.
The St. Regis Atlanta has made two key executive hires: Rafael Gorina has been named director of operations; and Natalia Lenzina is the new director of beverage. Gorina has held a number of roles with Marriott International and Ritz-Carlton properties, including overseeing openings with Edition Hotels. Lenzina’s experience includes the Acqualina Resort and Spa Miami; Faena Hotel Miami and the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, as well as the the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the St. Regis Atlanta.
Ari Miller has joined the restaurant CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Rosewood Washington, D.C. He will serve as executive chef. Miller was previously at the restaurant Musi in Philadelphia, after spending time in Tel Aviv working at The Minzar and The Basta in Israel.
John Silva, Hell's Kitchen
Chef John Silva has been named executive chef of Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in San Diego. He served previously as chef de cuisine at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, and was executive chef at Lake Arrowhead Yacht & Country Club.
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