O'Charley's Names Wilson L. Craft O'Charley's Concept President
O'Charley's Inc. (Nasdaq: CHUX), a leading casual-dining company, today announced that it has named Wilson L. Craft to the position of Concept President of O'Charley's Restaurants. Craft, age 56, will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations at the O'Charley's concept, including the formulation and implementation of strategies and tactics designed to enhance sales, profitability and long-term growth. He succeeds Jeffrey D. Warne, who became President and Chief Executive Officer of O'Charley's Inc. on June 4, 2009.
An executive with substantial experience in casual dining, Craft joins O'Charley's after serving most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Famous Dave's of America. Prior to Famous Dave's, he served for three years as Executive Vice President of Operations for LongHorn Steakhouse, when it was part of RARE Hospitality International, and subsequent to its acquisition by Darden Restaurants. Wilson spent 21 years with Brinker International, where he served as the President of Chili's Grill & Bar, President of Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, and in a number of other senior operating positions.
'In Wilson Craft we have found a proven leader with a broad skill set, an impressive track record, and deep operational experience in the casual-dining segment to guide our O'Charley's concept,' said Warne. 'We believe that Wilson will be a great fit for our Company, and that he is capable of leading an O'Charley's team focused on growing sales through increasing guest loyalty, and improving margins as well. We are excited to welcome him to the O'Charley's team.'
Consistent with the Company's philosophy of aligning the interests of its management with those of its shareholders, the Company has agreed to grant Craft 150,000 non-qualified stock options at an exercise price equal to fair market value on the grant date. All of these options will vest on February 10, 2012 and expire on February 10, 2015. This award constitutes an inducement award under NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 5635(c)(4).
Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
- O’Charley’s Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
- O’Charley’s Inc. Completes $105 Million Sale-Leaseback Transaction
- O’Charley’s Inc. Appoints Marc Buehler As O’Charley’s Concept President
- O’Charley’s Inc. Reports Resignation of O’Charley’s Concept President
- O’Charley’s Inc. Returns to Revenue Growth in the Second Quarter on Increased Comparable Sales
- Four Directors Appointed To Supertel Hospitality Board
- Walter Rakowich Joins Host Hotels & Resorts Board
- John Vasatka New General Manager at The Veranda Resort Turks and Caicos
- Iqbal Jumabhoy Appointed Managing Director and CEO For SilverNeedle
- Paul Toner Appointed General Manager JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa
