This is the latest installment in a series that highlights major executive changes at top fast casual, QSR and casual dining chains over the past week.
Both Checker's & Rally's and Luby's added new executives to bolster their information technology teams, which is becoming an increased focus across the restaurant segment as the industry grapples with an influx of innovation from self-order kiosks to mobile apps and artificial intelligence.
Check out the latest executive announcements below:
July 16
Rave Restaurant Group: The company has terminated its employment of CEO Scott Crane, and appointed Robert W. Bafundo, who has served as president since September, as his replacement. Bafundo, according to an SEC filing. Bafundo has been with the company since 2016 and previously worked for Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Back Yard Burgers and D Brands, among other retail and hospitality brands.
Freshii: Daniel Haroun will become the company's CFO effective Aug. 26, according to a press release. He will lead financial operations across the company and provide overall strategic direction along with CEO Matthew Corrin. Haroun most recently served at Walmart Canada where he was vice president of finance. He also had several senior leadership roles at Restaurant Brands International. He will be based at Freshii's headquarters in Toronto.
QDOBA: Katy Velazquez has become the company's executive chef. In her new role, she will lead the continued evolution of the restaurant’s menu, according to a press release. She worked in Chicago for three years with chef-restaurateur Rick Bayless, helping with several ventures, including a podcast, cookbook and PBS TV series.
July 15
Checker's & Rally's: Minh Le has been hired as CIO, according to Restaurant News. Le has over 25 years of experience and has worked at Corner Bakery, Il Fornaio, Darden Restaurants and Romano's Macaroni Grill. Le is the restaurant's first CIO, according to Nation's Restaurant News.
Luby's: David Greenberg has been hired as vice president of marketing while John Holzem has become the vice president of information technology, according to a press release. Greenberg has over 30 years of experience in restaurant and consumer marketing and worked at various brands, including Bob Evans Restaurants, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, TGI Fridays and Burger King. Holzem has over 30 years of experience at Sysco.
