Photo Credits: Artistry Restaurants, BJ’s Restaurants , Bloomin’ Brands, Checkers, Houston TX Hot Chiccken, IHOP, Starbucks, Wendy’s, and Whataburger
JASON BROOKS COO and Partner Artistry Restaurants
C.BRADFORD RICHMOND Interim CEO BJ’S Restaurants
MICHAEL SPANOS CEO
Bloomin’ Brands
CHRIS TEBBEN President and CEO Checkers
BRIAN SIMOWITZ President
Houston TX Hot Chicken
CHIEF OPERATOR CHANGES
Artistry Restaurants
Artistry Restaurants has appointed Jason Brooks to the role of COO and partner, a new position created to help lead and direct the company’s rapidly expanding portfolio of concepts and restaurants throughout the Southeast. Brooks, whose career spans more than 25 years in leadership roles, will perform the day-to-day oversight, operations and management of Artistry Restaurants’ collection of brands, including Oak & Stone Craft Beer & Artisan Pizza, Shrimp Basket, Boca Kitchen, Atlantic Beer & Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island. Brooks will also be instrumental in helping Artistry realize expansion plans at both Oak & Stone and Boca that include five new restaurant openings by the end of Q2 2025. “Jason Brooks is a seasoned leader in managing the
growth and operations of well-known brands and developing people while delivering measurable bottom-line impact,” said Chip Headley, managing partner. “Working with our brand leaders to deliver the art of hospitality, Jason’s track record and appointment is well-timed as Artistry plans for the opening of new locations, the launch of a new brand concept and the acquisition of additional brands later this year.” Brooks spent nearly 25 years with Bloomin’ Brands, where he made transformational changes to enhance brand culture, streamline processes and revitalize lower-performing markets for Outback Steakhouse, as well as some of the company’s other well-known concepts including Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Prior to joining Artistry Restaurants, he served as vice president of operations for Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group, where he led all operations for the 40-unit casual brand.
62 FEDA News & Views
BJ’s Restaurants BJ’s Restaurants has appointed C. Bradford Richmond as interim CEO.
Richmond has served on the company’s Board of Directors since February 2024 and will continue to serve on the board during his interim appointment. He served as CFO of Darden Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest full-service owner- operated restaurant company, from 2006 to 2015, and prior to that served as Darden’s corporate controller from 2005 to 2006. He previously held various executive-level finance and strategic planning roles at Olive Garden and Red Lobster since 1982. As a member of the board of directors of Coast Entertainment Holdings since 2017, he helped reposition the Main Event brand to drive significant growth, leading to an attractive acquisition by Dave & Busters. “I am honored to join BJ’s leadership team,” Richmond said. “The BJ’s brand is beloved by our loyal guests and team members. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the company’s commitment to our culture and brand promise during my interim service. I hope to enhance focus on and prioritization of the opportunities in front of us, as we usher in the next chapter of renewed growth and value creation. My experience as a board member has solidified my belief that we have tremendous potential to drive greater awareness of the BJ’s brand and continue its trajectory as a restaurant growth company.” Previous CEO and President Gregory Levin stepped down
from his executive positions and the board of directors at the end of August. “It has been a pleasure to serve as a BJ’s
JAY JOHNS Past President IHOP
LAWRENCE KIM President Designee IHOP
BRIAN NICCOL Chairman and CEO Starbucks
MARY GREENLEE SVP of U.S. Operations Wendy’s
TODD HUETINCK Chief Supply Chain Officer Whataburger
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