Image by Nico Heins
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has a new CMO. Hillary Frei has joined the Canfield, Ohio-based chain as chief marketing officer, joining the leadership team under CEO Jennifer Schuler. Frei had previously been head of marketing with Wetzel’s Pretzels, where Schuler worked before going to Handel’s. Before that she worked with FAO Schwarz.
Hillary Frei | Handel’s
Outback Steakhouse parent Bloomin’ Brands promoted Gagan Sinha to chief information officer. Sinha joined Bloomin’ earlier this year as SVP of technology. Before that, he was SVP of IT at Inspire Brands, and was VP of IT at Dunkin’ Brands before it was acquired by Inspire. As CIO, he’ll be in charge of Bloomin’s global IT strategy and all of its consumer and business tech.
Former Real Mex Restaurants leader Brian Lockwood has been named CEO of Artistry Restaurants, an Orlando-based multi-concept operator of 29 restaurants. The announcement follows the recent appointment of Jason Brooks, a 25-year veteran of Outback parent Bloomin’ Brands, as COO. The company said the additions are in anticipation of a major expansion push.
Bartolotta Restaurants has named Joanne Reardon to the role of senior director of finance. Reardon served previously as Bellevue, Washington-based MOD Pizza’s director of investor relations and strategy. The Milwaukee-based Bartolotta group includes 18 restaurants and catering facilities, including the most recently opened concept The Commodore on Nagawicka Lake.
Joanne Reardon | Bartolotta Restaurants
Hawaiian-focused fast-casual chain Mo’Bettahs elevated John Konyn to chief operations officer. Konyn, who started at the chain as an hourly employee in 2010, previously served as VP of operations. Mo’Bettahs currently has 55 restaurants in seven states.
Cajun Steamer, a Cajun and Creole concept that’s part of Cherry Bounce Hospitality, named Mike Turner chief operating officer and president. He previously served as SVP of supply chain and culinary at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
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