Human Resources

🏠 Chef Brad Carter steps away from the Undercroft project in the crypt of Mayfair’s St George’s Church, London. The 107-cover restaurant, created by music industry entrepreneur Martin Priestnall, was set for a summer launch. Carter, who previously earned a Michelin star at Carters of Moseley in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, cited no reason for the decision. The project, first seen by Carter in 2022, has been significantly delayed and may be canceled. Carter remains focused on bringing his food to London.

📍 In August, the U.S. restaurant industry added nearly 30,000 jobs, marking a 21% share of the 142,000 total new positions in the economy. Unemployment dipped to 4.2%. The sector now employs 12.4 million, slightly above February 2020's 12.3 million. Full-service still lags 4% behind pre-pandemic levels, while limited-service is up 3%. Despite this growth, 82% of restaurant operators are hiring, seeking chefs (30%), dishwashers (12%), cashiers (7%). Operating costs and labor shortages are top challenges, with 27% of respondents citing costs and 23% labor issues. Toast found 30% of restaurant workers might leave within two years, though the quit rate is below the pre-pandemic average.

🍴 Alexandre Laforce Reynolds, former head chef at Eline in Shoreditch, joins Bistro Freddie in October 2023. Reynolds, aged 31, has over a decade of experience in London's fine dining, including Hide, Fenchurch, and Seven Park Place, and opened Eline in summer 2022, which closed in May. Bistro Freddie, part of HAM Restaurants, launched in October 2023 on Luke Street, Shoreditch. Reynolds introduces new dishes like Loch Duart salmon, beef tartare, and a French île flottante dessert.

🍴 Fernando Corona Burch appointed to oversee food and drink at Rosewood London's Holborn Dining Room, Mirror Room, Scarfes Bar, in-room dining, and banqueting. With over 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry, his background includes Michelin-starred restaurants and leadership roles within Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, such as executive chef at Rosewood Hong Kong and Beijing, director of culinary operations at Rosewood Phnom Penh and Beijing. Recently, executive chef at the pre-opening of Park Hyatt Los Cabos, Mexico. Rosewood London's Managing Director, Tessa Gorman, praises his expertise and vision for their culinary team.

🍽 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, reports on food and beverage trends and has been with NRN since 1999. He hosted a podcast, wrote for The New York Sun from 2005-2008, lived in Thailand writing about business and food for Manager magazine and Asia Times (1992-1997), and worked for ABC News during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Thorn, a magna cum laude Tufts University graduate and Phi Beta Kappa member, also studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. He joined the Restaurant Hospitality staff in 2016, won a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award, was an IFEC president in 2005, and authored entries in food encyclopedias. Inducted into Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014, Thorn resides in Brooklyn, NY.

📞 Chris Tebben appointed President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., effective September 4. Frances Allen steps down to focus on board work. Tebben's experience includes roles at Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang's, and Pizza Hut. Previously, he led Mars Retail Group since 2022 and expanded Starbucks Reserve, including Chicago's largest Starbucks. His career spans strategic planning, operations, and marketing in the restaurant and consumer goods sectors. David Barr, board member, praises Tebben's track record in sales, traffic, and unit growth.

🍕 Chris Tebben appointed as President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, effective September 4, succeeding Frances Allen who stepped down in April. Tebben has worked with Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang's, and Pizza Hut, boasting extensive experience in strategic planning, operations, and franchise management. He led the M&M's retail arm since 2022 and previously spearheaded Starbucks Reserve's expansion, including the world's largest Starbucks in Chicago. David Barr, Checkers & Rally's Independent Board Member, expressed confidence in Tebben's ability to elevate the brands.

📍 Chris Tebben appointed President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. effective September 4, succeeding Frances Allen. Tebben has leadership experience with Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang's, and Pizza Hut. Led Mars Retail Group since 2022, previously expanded Starbucks Reserve, including opening the world's largest Starbucks in Chicago. His career covers strategic planning, operations, restaurant development, and marketing in both Fortune 100 and private equity-owned firms. David Barr, Checkers & Rally's Independent Board Member, announced the appointment and thanked Frances Allen for her service.

📖 Damola Adamolekun, former P.F. Chang's CEO, appointed as CEO of RL Investor Holdings LLC, an entity to potentially acquire Red Lobster Management LLC. Fortress Investment Group announced the move today, with involvement from TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch. Red Lobster operates 544 locations in 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. Adamolekun is recognized with three GLOBEE Leadership Gold awards in 2021 and featured on Nation’s Restaurant News' Power List in 2022.

📖 Damola Adamolekun, former P.F. Chang’s executive, appointed as CEO of RL Investor Holdings LLC by Fortress Investment Group. The entity, involving TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch, is awaiting bankruptcy court approval to acquire Red Lobster Management LLC. Red Lobster, with 544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, will remain independent. Adamolekun's previous roles include CEO and Chief Strategy Officer at P.F. Chang's, Partner at Paulson & Co., and positions at Goldman Sachs and TPG Capital. In 2021, he won three GLOBEE Leadership Gold awards and a Silver award, and in 2022, was listed in Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List.