Dive Brief:
- P.F. Chang’s has hired Jim Mazany as CEO, effective immediately, the company said Monday in a press release. He succeeds Brad Hill, who has held various positions at the chain since 2017, including COO, CFO and, most recently, CEO for just over six months.
- Mazany previously served as chairman and CEO of Rosa Mexicano, Yardbird and Shell Shack, “where he spearheaded brand expansion and elevated operational performance,” according to the press release. He was also an operating partner at TriSpan Capital while he oversaw these chains, his LinkedIn profile showed.
- The restaurant executive will oversee P.F. Chang’s next phase of growth, innovation and global expansion. He will also help refine the chain’s fast casual concept, per the press release.
Dive Insight:
Mazany has experience scaling restaurant chains, improving operations and creating more engaging guest experiences, according to the press release.
Before TriSpan Capital, Mazany served as CEO of Logan’s Roadhouse parent SPB Hospitality, a multi-concept restaurant operator and franchisor with more than 300 restaurants across 39 states.
At SPB, he helped improve guest traffic and revenue. Mazany has also worked as COO at Joe’s Crab Shack, where he assisted in a turnaround at the concept that led to seven consecutive years of same-store sales growth across 140 units.
This experience could help P.F. Chang’s create consistent same-store sales growth, boost the in-restaurant experience and increase traffic. The company has already improved its value proposition and launched a new menu nationwide in September that includes $8.99 cocktails, hand-rolled sushi, half-sized appetizers and a choice of smaller-sized entrees.
“Our goal is to build on the brand's strong foundation to deliver bold flavors, immersive dining experiences, and innovative concepts that delight today’s guest and shape the future of modern Asian cuisine,” Mazany said in a statement.
Mazany will accelerate P.F. Chang’s growth across the U.S. and globally, expand consumer packaged goods, refine the chain’s fast casual concept and make the brand more accessible for younger generations while still capturing the brand’s cultural heritage.
These initiatives are expected to “enhance brand relevance, accessibility, and long-term growth, positioning P.F. Chang's as the leader in modern Asian dining and entertainment worldwide,” the company said.
The company’s next phase of growth will build upon Hill’s work at the company, which included improving the company’s financial performance, modernizing operations and guiding a global expansion strategy.
