Human Resources

🍽 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.

🍴 Damola Adamolekun, former P.F. Chang's CEO, is set to lead Red Lobster as CEO pending court approval. Fortress Investment Group, TCW Private Credit, and Blue Torch created RL Investor Holdings LLC to acquire Red Lobster, which operates 544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. Adamolekun, awarded three GLOBEE Leadership Gold awards in 2021 and featured on the 2022 Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List, has a Goldman Sachs and TPG Capital background.

📢 Fortress Investment Group appoints Damola Adamolekun, former P.F. Chang's CEO, to lead Red Lobster upon bankruptcy court approval. A new entity, RL Investor Holdings LLC, created by Fortress alongside TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch, aims to acquire Red Lobster Management LLC. Red Lobster, operating independently with 544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, anticipates revitalization under Adamolekun's leadership. Adamolekun has a notable finance and strategy background with awards for his leadership and has been recognized by top financial and industry publications.

📌 Cloudbeds, a hospitality management technology firm, appoints Linda Vallner as Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Vallner, with expertise from Protel Hotelsoftware and Oracle Hospitality, particularly as Director of OPERA Product Suite, aims to transform the industry standard. Cloudbeds, founded in 2012 and recognized by Hotel Tech Report and World Travel Awards, serves properties in over 150 countries and was listed in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 in 2023.

🏨 Ana Atienza became Guest Relations Manager at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, where she oversees guest satisfaction. After studying hotel and restaurant management in the Philippines, Ana chose hospitality over broadcasting. She started her career as a barista and management trainee in the Philippines before advancing in the hospitality industry in San Francisco. The episode discusses the value of customer service, the challenges at the front desk, and the need for passion and patience in hospitality. Ana's advice includes not taking things personally and focusing on guest interactions. The discussion also highlights San Francisco's allure for visitors. 📅 August 25, 2024.