Photo Credits: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, CEC Entertainment, Chili Shack, Denny’s, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Jimmy John’s, Portillo’s and Shake Shack. .
SHAWNA SNYDER COO
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
SCOTT DRAKE President and CEO CEC Entertainment
ELIZABETH ORONA COO
Chili Shack
CHRISTOPHER BODE President and CEO Denny’s
DAVID STEVER CEO Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
CHIEF OPERATOR CHANGES
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has appointed restaurant executive Shawna Snyder as COO. She will oversee the chain’s national growth strategy, operational systems, and expansion initiatives, bringing an operator-first mindset focused on innovation, efficiency, and scalable execution, the company said. With decades of experience scaling national restaurant concepts, Shawna is regarded as a builder of systems and a driver of results, the company said. Most recently, she served as vice president of national accounts at Avanti Restaurant Solutions, where she led enterprise strategy and execution for high-growth brands across new store development and multi- unit expansion.
Her impact has earned industry-wide recognition, including being named one of Total Food Service’s Top 25 Women in Foodservice & Hospitality in 2025. “Shawna doesn’t just manage growth; she engineers it,” Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes said.
CEC Entertainment CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has appointed Scott Drake as president and CEO, succeeding David McKillips.
Drake joined the company in 2024 as CFO, following senior leadership roles at Farmer Brothers Coffee Co., GameStop Corp., and 7-Eleven. McKillips has served as president and CEO since 2020, leading the company through post-pandemic stabilization, transformation, and sustained growth. “We are pleased to announce Scott Drake’s appointment,”
CEC Board Chairman Joshua Acheatel said. “Under Scott’s financial leadership, CEC strengthened its balance sheet, refinanced its capital structure, and delivered growth through
60 FEDA News & Views
DARIN DUGAN Brand President Jimmy John’s
BRETT PATTERSON President and CEO Portillo’s
MICHELLE HOOK CFO
Shake Shack
key strategic initiatives, and today, the company is in an enviable position among its competitors. We thank David for his outstanding leadership during a pivotal period for the company, and we are confident that Scott is the right executive to lead CEC as a powerhouse in the dynamic family entertainment space.”
Chili Shack
Chili Shack, a Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of Elizabeth Orona as COO. At Chili Shack, Orona will oversee all employees, operational
growth, innovation, and franchise scalability across the brand’s rapidly expanding footprint. Her role will focus on streamlining processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout the organization, enhancing customer experiences, and aligning the company’s long-term goals while maintaining brand standards. Orona previously served as general manager of several Chili Shack restaurants in the Denver area.
“Elizabeth has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of our culture, our guests, and what makes this brand special,” said Chili Shack Founder Abraham Olivas. “This promotion is a testament to her hard work and invaluable contributions to our company’s success. I am confident that she will excel in this new role, leveraging her experience and insights to drive operational excellence and elevate our brand to new heights.”
Denny’s Denny’s has promoted Christopher Bode to president and CEO. He will lead the brand’s transformation with the launch of “Project Grand Slam,” a new, comprehensive 24-month strategic roadmap to modernize the business trajectory through culinary innovation, digital transformation, and a renewed commitment to operational excellence. Bode is an experienced executive with more than three decades of leadership experience in the restaurant industry and a veteran of the United States Navy. Most recently, he served as Denny’s president and COO.
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