Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group and Zaxby's name new executives

Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group appears to be mixing up its executive suite. This week, the company named Camille Collins its executive director of marketing and promoted Jen Beougher to chief administrative officer. And earlier this month, the restaurant group named Elizabeth McGee its chief executive officer.

Beougher joined Ruby Slipper in 2018 as the company’s first chief financial officer. She has also spent more than a decade at Bloomin’ Brands. She has held roles within the company’s accounting, project management and finance departments.

As executive director of marketing, Collins will oversee marketing, communications, business development, social media, advertising and brand management. She comes to the role with over 20 years of experience within the hospitality and food industries. Most recently, she served as director of marketing and communications at Commander’s Family of Restaurants.

Chicken chain Zaxby’s has appointed Donny Lau chief financial officer. He comes to the chain from his role of senior vice president of finance and chief strategy officer at Dollar General. He has also held multiple roles at Yum Brands. As chief financial officer, he will lead the finance function including strategy, planning, accounting and treasury.

“Donny's proven track record in driving financial growth in QSR and retail organizations, implementing effective strategies and navigating complex financial landscapes makes him a perfect fit for Zaxby's as we embark on our next phase of growth and expansion," said Bernard Acoca, Zaxby's CEO, in a statement.

Newk’s Eatery has named David Boatright its director of franchise sales. This announcement comes the brand looks to expand into North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma.

Most recently, Boatright served as director of franchise sales at Fazoli’s. He has also held roles with Bojangles, McAlister’s Deli and Huddle House.

“We’re excited to have David join our team.,” said Newk’s CEO Frank Paci, in a statement. “He brings a wealth of franchising experience in the industry and will really be able to contribute significantly to our franchise development efforts.”

SPB Hospitality, the owner of Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse and other concepts, has hired Michael Casey as its new chief development officer. Casey previously spent more than five years as chief development officer for Ideal Image, a medical spa chain, where he overhauled its development strategy. His nearly 30-year career has also included development roles at Yum Brands, Jamba and Bloomin’ Brands. He joins SPB as it makes growth a top priority under new CEO Josh Kern.

The CFO of Grubhub’s parent company is stepping down. Brent Wissink has been with Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com (JET) since 2011, helping it grow from a small local delivery provider to a global player. JET CEO Jitse Groen called him “a clear father of the success of JET.” He is leaving to pursue other opportunities, and the company is searching for his replacement. JET acquired Chicago-based Grubhub in June 2021.

Papa Johns has appointed former CEO of Denny’s, John Miller, to its Board of Directors. He comes to the role with over 45 years of experience in restaurant operations. Miller spent more than 11 years with Denny’s before retiring in August 2022. He has previously served as CEO of Taco Bueno Restaurants and worked with Brinker International for 17 years.

Eatertainment concept Puttshack has promoted Ben Shepherd to chief information and technology officer. He previously served as Putttshack’s executive vice president of software engineering and architecture where he led the development of Puttshack’s gaming software. In the new role, Shepherd will optimize the implementation of Puttshack’s technologies.

Smalls Sliders has named Greg Swafford vice president of supply chain. He has held several supply chain roles within restaurant brands including Texas Roadhouse, Landry’s Inc and Fogo de Chao. He has experience leading purchasing, planning, project management and international procurement strategies. Swafford will seek to provide cost-effective supply innovations and expertise in the new role.

Penn Station East Coast Subs has named Diane Matheson as director of marketing. Matheson brings over a decade of experience in managing and building brand equity for restaurant brands. She has experience in the QSR, full-service and casual dining spaces and has degrees in marketing and graphic design.

“Growing and improving our marketing strategy helps the brand and our franchisees by increasing awareness of the great menu options we offer to consumers and new owners,” said Penn Station COO Craig Dunaway, in a statement. “We are excited to have Diane lead the helm in Marketing. Her years of experience in marketing the restaurant industry make her a valuable addition to the team.”

Foodservice and retail supplier Golden State Foods made several executive changes this week, as a part of its restructuring. The company promoted Brian Dick to president and chief executive officer, John Page to executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Brad Tingey to corporate senior vice president and chief financial officer and Stephen Wetterau tocorporate senior vice president of strategy, technology and innovation.

“These executive leadership changes will help Golden State Foods best support our customers and enable the continued growth of our company and our people, as we pursue strategic succession plans to optimize the deep expertise and proven capabilities of our senior leadership team,” said Conrad Wetterau, chairman of GSF’s Board of Directors, in a statement.

Also this week, Bloomin’ promoted Sheilina Henry to president of Fleming’s. And Nothing Bundt Cakes named Dolf Berle CEO.

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