Vandelay Hospitality Group, which operates 23 restaurants across Texas and California and is set to debut new concepts in Scottsdale, Ariz., next year, has appointed Gen Gray as chief operating officer, the company said this week.
Dallas-based Vandelay, which is parent to the Hudson House and other concepts, said Gray will lead day-to-day restaurant operations, guest experience, people and culture, training, and new-venue openings.
Gray most recently served as global chief operating officer and chief people officer at Topgolf Callaway Brands
Prior to her time at Topgolf, Gray was COO of Maggiano’s Little Italy, a division of Brinker International Inc.
“Gen is a transformational operator and culture‑builder,” Hunter Pond, Vandelay founder and CEO, said in a statement. “Her proven track record of scaling iconic hospitality brands while elevating the guest experience makes her the ideal leader to guide our operations as we enter our next phase of growth.”
Gray said her leadership philosophy is rooted in service.
“I believe great hospitality starts with people — investing in teams, obsessing over quality, and paying attention to the details every day,” Gray said.
Vandelay Hospitality Group was founded in 2012.
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