Human Resources

🏨 On September 1, National Hotel Employee Day celebrates nearly two million U.S. hotel industry workers. Established in 2022 by AHLA and the National Day Calendar, the day recognizes hotel staff's contributions to tourism and community events. Hotel workers can choose from over 200 career paths with a projected total compensation of $123 billion in 2024. AHLA, AAHOA, NABHOOD, and the Latino Hotel Association, among others, honor these employees' commitment to guest service and industry success.

📈 Linda Vallner appointed VP for EMEA at Cloudbeds, previously COO at dailypoint. Matt Greene returns to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego as Managing Director, served as GM 2008-2011. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort names Richard Elliott as GM, former GM of Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach and Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Nicholas Kuhns becomes GM of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, overseeing operations. Dan Fitzgerald assigned as Complex Commercial Director for Conrad Punta de Mita and Hilton Los Cabos. Jose Tibbitts promoted to Executive Chef at InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. Jake Leslie appointed Director of Food and Beverage at The Chancery Rosewood, formerly at Caesars Palace. Chileno Bay Resort announces Orli del Angel as Executive Chef, Yvan Mucharraz as Culinary Experiences Director, and Santiago Canseco as Director of Food and Beverage.

📞 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.

🍽 Sage Hospitality Group acquired Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver, Colorado, joining over 50 venues under Sage Restaurant Concepts. Mercantile, opening in 2014, is set for a 2025 renovation. The restaurant accommodates 108 guests plus 75 outdoors. Chef Alex Seidel partners with Sage, focusing on comfort food with a modern twist. Sage COO Justin Fowler oversees operations with Seidel's culinary team, aiming for growth and culinary excellence.

📖 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.