Human Resources

📣 Mad Concepts Group, based in Addison, Texas, named Kendra Shier as president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados on Tuesday. Jakes, founded in Dallas in 1985, has 12 locations in North Texas. Tacos & Avocados, which opened in November 2024, has one location in Carrollton, Texas. Shier joined Jakes in 2017 and was previously VP of operations at Bread Winners Café & Bakery, enhancing her strategic and creative credentials.

📅 Lisa Fitzell will join Audley Travel as chief product and operations officer on October 6, 2025, in Witney, Oxfordshire. She succeeds James Herbert, who transitioned to chief commercial transformation officer on July 1. Fitzell, with experience leading luxury travel brands like Elegant Resorts and If Only, aims to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. CEO Nick Longman highlights her expertise in travel, tourism, and hospitality to enhance Audley’s global presence.

🍽 Applebee’s announced two key appointments: Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer starting September 2 and Jerrold (Jay) Wong as Chief Operations Officer beginning September 15. Recently, Applebee’s reported increased traffic and sales in Q2. These appointments aim to strengthen marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience. Chin, with over 20 years of experience, will drive marketing strategies, while Wong will focus on operational consistency and growth, leveraging his hospitality industry knowledge.

💸 Four years after its IPO at $14 per share, Soho House is going private again. MCR Hotels, with Ron Burkle and Yucaipa Companies maintaining control, will acquire remaining shares at $9 each, valuing the company at $2.7 billion. Since its IPO, Soho House has expanded from 28 to 46 properties. The deal, closing by year-end, aims to focus on long-term stability, with MCR’s Tyler Morse becoming vice chairman to guide global growth.

🍽 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and September 15, respectively. The brand, reporting increased Q2 traffic and sales, aims to enhance guest experience, expand menu innovation, and boost marketing. Chin, with over 20 years in marketing at Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever, will lead Applebee's marketing strategy. Wong, with hospitality leadership experience, will focus on restaurant performance and growth.

🏠 Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) appoints Rico Picenoni to lead its mixed-use development strategy, emphasizing branded residences. Picenoni brings expertise from Accor, Seven Tides Hospitality, and academic credentials from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. LHG’s first Middle East hotel is set to open in 2029, with Picenoni based in Dubai to drive growth. The initiative merges hotel stays with private homes, enhancing client engagement beyond traditional hospitality experiences.

💸 Neil Thomson, with 30 years of hospitality finance experience, joins Soho House & Co as CFO. He was previously CFO of Tasty Restaurant Group and held senior roles at Yum! Brands. Andrew Carnie, CEO, highlights Thomson's operational and financial expertise as crucial for scaling the business. Thomson aims to drive growth and profitability. This move aligns with Soho House & Co’s strategy for global expansion and enhanced membership offerings.

📄 Nicolai Scheugenpflug appointed as Director Corporate F&B at Dorint Hotel Group, succeeding Philipp Kramer. Reporting to COO Stefanie Brandes, he will oversee F&B for Dorint's three brands. With experience at Meatery GmbH, Seaside Group, and more, he aims to enhance profitability, efficiency, and innovation. Certified as a “System Catering Specialist” trainer since 2017, Scheugenpflug focuses on practical, sustainable structures and guest-oriented service. This aligns with Dorint's strategy to improve profitability and guest experience.