Texas Roadhouse, Red Robin, Teriyaki Madness and more chains make executive moves

Staff illustration

Texas Roadhouse hired Mike Lenihan as CFO. Lenihan brings 30 years of finance experience, including 22 in restaurants, and most recently served as CFO of Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. parent CKE Restaurants. He replaces Chris Monroe, who left the company in June. The company also promoted Keith Humpich to chief accounting and financial services officer and Sean Renfroe to general counsel.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers tapped Christopher Meyer as its interim CFO. Meyer previously spent eight years at Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin’ Brands, serving as CFO from 2019 to 2024. He replaces Todd Wilson, who announced his resignation last month. Meyer will also assume the role of principal accounting officer, and will stay with Red Robin until it has permanently filled both positions.

Teriyaki Madness appointed Scott Shotter as chief restaurant officer. Shotter previously served as COO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, president of Condado Tacos, CEO of Back Yard Burgers and vice president of operations at Moe’s Southwest Grill. The Denver-based chain operates nearly 200 units across 40 states.

Golden Chick expanded its leadership team by bringing back Bobby Brannon as vice president of operations. Brannon previously spent six years with the chain, helping open more than 30 restaurants, and has held executive roles at Shipley Do-Nuts, TCBY, Dave & Buster’s, Schlotzsky’s, Dunkin’ and Huddle House. The chain also promoted Tony Eiserman to vice president of development.

Oberweis Dairy appointed Renato DePaolis II as CEO, succeeding Adam Kraber, who will remain as senior vice president of sales and growth. DePaolis previously worked with the Hoffman Family of Companies, which acquired Oberweis last year.

Woody’s Brands hired Ray Risley as president. Risley previously served as president and COO of TGI Friday’s, CEO of Via 313 Pizzeria and president and COO of Whiskey Cake and Ida Claire. He also served as president of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. Woody’s Brands operates 42 bar and gaming venues like Little Woodrow’s, Woody’s Hideaway and Eddie’s Tavern.

The Friendly Toast named Shawn Utke as CEO. Utke is the former CEO of Tatte Bakery & Café and previously served as senior vice president of on-premise channels and digital commerce for Panera Bread. The concept operates 15 locations across New England.

CRU Wine Bar & Bistro restructured its executive team to support national expansion. The 10-unit Dallas-based chain named Noel Petrin director of procurement and training; appointed Foster Smith director of operations; promoted Jim Oetting to senior culinary director; and named Lina Street director of events and catering.

F1 Arcade appointed Jonathan Peters as CEO. Peters previously served as global president of the Formula 1–themed concept. Founders Adam Breeden and Diane Jervis will transition to non-executive director roles. F1 Arcade operates five units in the U.S. following its debut in Boston last year.

Bagels & Co. hired Kevin Armantrout as COO. Armantrout previously served as president and COO of Another Broken Egg Café and as franchise president and corporate vice president of operations for Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The brand operates a handful of locations in Pennsylvania and Florida and plans expansion focused on college towns.

FSC Franchise Co. named John Massari CFO. Massari previously spent 25 years at Bloomin’ Brands and later served as CFO for Artistry Restaurants, where he helped grow the company to six brands through acquisitions. FSC Franchise Co. is the Tampa-based parent of Beef O’ Brady’s, The Brass Tap and Newk’s.

Tonya Robinson, SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality appointed Tonya Robinson as CFO. Robinson previously served as CFO at Texas Roadhouse from 2018 to 2023. She succeeds former CFO Jessica Hagler, who has left the company.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers hired Natalie Hurley as vice president of marketing. Hurley brings two decades of hospitality experience and will lead the brand’s strategy and growth initiatives.

 

Kelsey McManemin, HTeaO

HTeaO strengthened its marketing team with two leadership moves. The company promoted Kelsey McManemin to senior vice president of marketing and hired Brittany Knollmiller as director of marketing.

Brittany Knollmiller, HTeaO

Long John Silver’s named Laura Curth Ellis as its chief marketing officer. She will oversee brand strategy, menu innovation and guest engagement. Ellis spent eight years with KFC, where she most recently was director of retail marketing for the company’s $5 billion U.S. business. 

Jersey Mike’s Subs has named Michele Allen chief financial officer. Allen replaces Walter Tombs, who is retiring in January. Allen will oversee Jersey Mike’s global financial organization, supply chain and enterprise performance management. She brings more than 25 years of financial leadership to the sandwich chain.

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