Continue to Site >>>

Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Leadership

Noodles & Company CEO Drew Madsen stepping down

 By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 05, 2025

Citing personal medical reasons, Madsen is turning over the reins to president and COO Joseph Christina. Madsen, however, will stay on the board.

Leadership

A bunch of restaurant chains have just named new CEOs

 By Jonathan Maze and Heather Lalley on Aug. 05, 2025

Smashburger, Luna Grill and Pizza Factory each named new chief executives this week, continuing a period of high turnover in the restaurant industry’s corner office.

Leadership

Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin’ Brands shakes up its leadership team

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 04, 2025

The full-service restaurant company named a new CFO, HR chief, analytics leader and more as it looks to revitalize its business, particularly at Outback.

Leadership

Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs resigns, delaying its spinoff

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 01, 2025

The chief executive of the golf-and-food chain is leaving to take a CEO position at an undisclosed company. Topgolf’s spinoff from its parent company now won’t happen until next year.

Leadership

BJ’s Restaurants, Shake Shack, Bonchon and more make executive moves

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jul. 25, 2025

Executive Summary: Here are the latest leadership changes in the restaurant industry.

Leadership

Restaurants navigate anti-DEI pressures amid push to elevate women

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 25, 2025

Some see efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion as discriminatory. But women hold only 7% of the CEO seats among the Top 500 restaurant chains. Will efforts to build opportunity continue?

Leadership

Maria Rivera named CEO of Starbird

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 23, 2025

Founder Aaron Noveshen is transitioning fully to chair of the "super-premium fast food" brand's board as it prepares for national expansion.

Leadership

Wendy's names Pete Suerken president of its U.S. market

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 22, 2025

Abigail Pringle, a 23-year veteran of the fast-food chain, will leave the company “to pursue other opportunities.” The change comes shortly after the unexpected departure of CEO Kirk Tanner.

Leadership

Subway names Jonathan Fitzpatrick CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 21, 2025

The former Driven Brands CEO and ex-Burger King executive will become the fourth chief executive in the fast-food sandwich giant’s history.

Leadership

The late chef Michael Chiarello's estate files lawsuit to prevent alleged hostile takeover of assets by investors

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 17, 2025

The famed restaurateur died suddenly in 2023. Now his estate is in a messy battle with minority stakeholders who say they are acting to carry forward Chiarello's visions.

  • Page 7