Mark Shambura, Panera | All images courtesy of the brands.
Mark Shambura has been named CMO of Panera Bread, leading all aspects of marketing, including brand building, digital and loyalty, product strategy and consumer insights. Shambura was previously CMO at Papa Johns, where he led the “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” initiative. Before that, he was executive director at Chipotle, and his experience also includes MOD Pizza.
PJW Restaurant Group, a multiconcept group based in Westmont, New Jersey, that operates P.J. Whelihan’s pub, The ChopHouse, Treno Pizza Bar and The Pour House, has named Jessica Breslow CEO. Breslow served for the last three years as COO for the group , and led marketing and technology since 2016. She succeeds Jim Fris, who retired after two decades with PJW but remains an advisor.
Victoria Stratton, District Taco
District Taco announces two key additions to its leadership team as the fast casual accelerates franchise growth. Victoria Stratton joins as director of design and John Deacon fills the role of director of real estate development. These appointments align with the Mexican concept’s goals of showcasing its Yucatán roots, delivering exceptional dining experiences and expanding its footprint across key markets, according to a statement.
John Brittain, Biscuitville
Greensboro, North Carolina-based Biscuitville Fresh Southern promoted John Brittain to VP of information technology. Brittain previously served as the chain’s senior IT director of vendor management. Biscuitville operates more than 80 restaurants in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina.
Tony Maldonado, GoTo Foods
GoTo Foods has appointed Tony Maldonado to the position of senior vice president of design and construction. He will provide strategic leadership and oversee development of prototypes for all seven brands within the platform company, including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s. Maldonado was previously president of Handels Klein LLC, and he has worked in development for Foot Locker Inc., Chico’s, and Gap Inc.
Connor McNeil, Joey Gerard's
Chef Connor McNeil has been named executive chef at Joey Gerard’s—A Bartolotta Supper Club in the Greendale suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was most recently executive sous chef at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago, and he has also worked in the kitchens of Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Sunda New Asian. In Wisconsin, he was once executive sous chef of Maggiano’s Little Italy in Milwaukee.
Gladis Lizarraga, Trio Palm Springs
Trio Palm Springs has named chef Gladis Lizarraga to lead the kitchen. She is the 14-year-old restaurant’s first female chef, the company said. She has been with Trio as sous chef and made the restaurant’s pastries. Her previous experience includes Farmer & The Seahorse in the San Diego area, and work with the Cohn Restaurant Group, including Island Prime, C Level, Vintana and Coasterra Modern Mexican.
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