Photo Credits: Cracker Barrel, Dave & Buster’s, Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, and Philz Coffee.
DAVID DENO CEO
Cracker Barrel
DARIN HARPER CEO
Dave & Buster’s
AARON HOWARD COO Denny’s
JOE JORDAN CEO
Domino’s Pizza
SUK NICHOLAS Chief Commercial Officer Krispy Kreme
LORI SUESS Chief People Officer Krispy Kreme
CHIEF OPERATOR CHANGES Cracker Barrel
David Deno has joined Cracker Barrel as the new CEO of the 660-unit restaurant chain. He succeeds Julie Masino, who stepped down as CEO and a member of the Cracker Barrel Board of Directors. She will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9, 2026, to support a smooth transition.
“Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel’s next CEO,” said Carl Berquist, independent chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board. “He brings decades of experience across the restaurant and retail industries, with a strong track record of leading businesses through growth and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, guest experience, and team member engagement. We are confident David is the right leader to continue building on the Cracker Barrel legacy, drive further positive momentum operationally and financially, and create sustainable value for our shareholders.” In a press release, Deno praised Cracker Barrel as an iconic American brand that is defined by its combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations. “I am honored to lead the Cracker Barrel team and look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand,” he said. “Together, we will stay focused on delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences for our guests, while driving profitable growth.”
Dave & Buster’s Dave & Buster’s Entertainment announced the retirement of CEO Tarun Lal. Succeeding him in the role is Darin Harper. Harper has served as CFO of Dave & Buster’s since June 2024 and has nearly 30 years of relevant experience at various entertainment and restaurant companies. He has worked side
52 FEDA News & Views
SKYE ANDERSON President McDonald’s USA
MARK JOHNSON COO - Retail Philz Coffee
by side with Lal in the design and execution of every element of the company’s Back-to-Basics plan.
“Our Back-to-Basics plan is gaining meaningful traction
across marketing, food and beverage, operations, games, and remodels, and the team executing it is extremely high quality and capable,” Lal said. “In addition to being a close partner since the day I arrived, Darin is among the most experienced executives in the industry. He knows every element of our strategy, he knows these iconic brands, and he has the full confidence of the board, our leadership team, and me. Dave & Buster’s has the right strategy, the right team, and the right momentum, and I am certain its best days are ahead.” “I am honored by the board’s confidence and excited for the opportunity ahead,” Harper said. “I have complete confidence in our Back-to-Basics strategy, which is showing clear momentum. I further believe there is significant opportunity to build on the momentum already underway as we continue executing our same-store sales growth initiatives.” Cory Hatton, the company’s head of entertainment finance,
investor relations, and treasurer, will serve as interim CFO while Dave & Buster’s searches for Harper’s successor in the role.
Denny’s Denny’s Corp. has appointed Aaron Howard as COO. He brings to the family-based dining chain decades of operating leadership across some of the restaurant industry’s most recognized brands, including CKE Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and RGS, parent company of O’Charley’s and 99 Restaurants. Across those systems, Howard has led field operations, built accountable teams, supported operators, and improved daily execution, Denny’s said in a news release. “Aaron is an operator,” President and CEO Chris Bode said. “He understands how performance is created in the field, inside restaurants, and through teams that are clear, supported, and accountable. His focus will be where performance is won or lost: in the restaurants, with operators and teams, and in the guest experience that brings people back. As we continue to strengthen value, relevance, profitable traffic, and restaurant- level profitability, Aaron’s leadership will be critical to how we raise execution across the franchise system.”
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