Patty Trevino, Denny's | All photos courtesy of the brands.
Denny’s Corp. has named Patty Trevino as SVP and chief brand officer of its namesake brand and appointed Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie as chief people officer for the diner chain and its sister concept, Keke’s. Both bring more than two decades of business experience to their new roles. Trevino was most recently EVP and CMO at Red Lobster, where Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade had also worked prior to assuming her current post. Earlier, Trevino held high level marketing positions at Carl’s, Jr., Burger King and Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin’ Brands.
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Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie, Denny's
Saygbay-Hallie joins Denny’s after serving as chief people officer for the Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In group. Her earlier jobs included human-resources positions at Sysco, the foodservice distributor, and Yum Brands, parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Meghan Haugen, Pita Pit
Mediterranean fast-casual chain Pita Pit promoted Meghan Haugen to chief operating officer. She had previously served as director of operations and, before that, director of training and corporate restaurants, for the 68-unit, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based chain.
Chris Kung, Zaxby's
Chicken chain Zaxby’s added Chris Kung as its new chief digital officer, tasked with advancing the chain’s loyalty and e-commerce initiatives. Kung most recently served as chief digital officer at Dollar General.
Gen Korean BBQ has a new board member. The Korean barbecue concept named David Park to its board of directors. Park is currently the chief investment officer with Alpha Park Partners, a long-term investment fund based out of New York. He has held several senior roles analyzing public and private companies for a variety of finance firms.
Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown has named Lindsay Whalen as director of food & beverage. In this position, Whalen will be managing all aspects of food and beverage operations on the property, including menu planning, cost analysis, purchasing, inventory management and staffing at Bluestone Lane Café, Topgolf Swing Suites and Lovelorn Lounge & Pool Bar. Also joining the team is Jason Lawson as executive chef. Lawson will oversee back-of-the-house operations as well as the creation of new menu items that represent the best of Nashville cuisine.
Katharine Ames, Indigo Road
Multi-concept operator Indigo Hospitality Group has promoted Katharine Ames to CMO, with responsibility for all external and internal communications. Ames, who joined the 35-restaurant company in 2021, was previously director of marketing. She reports to founder and Chief Vision Officer Steve Palmer. Indigo is based in Charleston, South Carolina.
Jeff Vucko has joined Deer Path Inn as executive chef, overseeing culinary programs at The English Room, White Hart Pub and The Bar at the renowned suburban Chicago hotel. “Chef Jeff’s passion for flavors and elevated presentations is palpable,” said GM James Barnett in a statement. “It’s been exciting to see him embrace this role with curiosity and an appetite for innovation, inspiring members of his culinary team to serve our dishes with pride indicative of our 95-year history.”
SPB Hospitality, the owner of Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse and other chains, has hired restaurant veteran Andy Somers as VP of operations for its Old Chicago and brewery concepts. Somers was most recently senior director of operations for P.F. Chang’s, where he spent more than six years. Before that, he spent more than 10 years at Red Robin. He will oversee SPB brands including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and Gordon Biersch Brewery.
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