O'Charley's Inc. Names Jeff D. Warne O'Charley's Concept President
O'Charley's Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: CHUX) announced that it has hired Jeff D. Warne to the position of Concept President of O'Charley's Restaurants.
Mr. Warne, age 45, will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations at the O'Charley's concept, including the implementation of programs designed to enhance profitability and long-term growth, as well as increase brand value, guest counts and sales.
An executive with substantial experience in casual dining, Mr. Warne joins O'Charley's after fifteen years with Carlson Companies, Inc. In his most recent assignment at Carlson, Mr. Warne was President and Chief Operating Officer of PickUp Stix, where he was responsible for the overall management of the brand including restaurant operations, franchise operations, marketing, real estate development, commissary operations, finance, human resources and training. Previously, Mr. Warne served as Executive Vice president and Chief Operating Officer of TGI Friday's International, where he was responsible for the overall management of TGI Friday's restaurant operations outside of the United States. Mr. Warne's earlier experience at Carlson includes serving as Chief Financial Officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, and Vice President of Business Planning. He holds an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and a BS from St. Cloud State University. Mr. Warne is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Gregory L. Burns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of O'Charley's Inc., stated, "In Jeff Warne we have found a proven leader with a broad skill set, an impressive track record, and deep operational experience in the restaurant industry to guide our O'Charley's concept. He is a great fit for our Company, and we are confident that he will improve all aspects of the performance of O'Charley's by driving sales, increasing guest frequency, and improving operating margins. We will also benefit from his leadership in positioning the O'Charley's concept to become 'Best of Class' as we unveil our 'Passion to Serve' vision to strengthen our relationship with each and every guest. 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 granted Mr. Warne restricted stock awards for an aggregate of 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock that will vest ratably over three years. These awards constitute inducement awards under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350.
An executive with substantial experience in casual dining, Mr. Warne joins O'Charley's after fifteen years with Carlson Companies, Inc. In his most recent assignment at Carlson, Mr. Warne was President and Chief Operating Officer of PickUp Stix, where he was responsible for the overall management of the brand including restaurant operations, franchise operations, marketing, real estate development, commissary operations, finance, human resources and training. Previously, Mr. Warne served as Executive Vice president and Chief Operating Officer of TGI Friday's International, where he was responsible for the overall management of TGI Friday's restaurant operations outside of the United States. Mr. Warne's earlier experience at Carlson includes serving as Chief Financial Officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, and Vice President of Business Planning. He holds an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and a BS from St. Cloud State University. Mr. Warne is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Gregory L. Burns, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of O'Charley's Inc., stated, "In Jeff Warne we have found a proven leader with a broad skill set, an impressive track record, and deep operational experience in the restaurant industry to guide our O'Charley's concept. He is a great fit for our Company, and we are confident that he will improve all aspects of the performance of O'Charley's by driving sales, increasing guest frequency, and improving operating margins. We will also benefit from his leadership in positioning the O'Charley's concept to become 'Best of Class' as we unveil our 'Passion to Serve' vision to strengthen our relationship with each and every guest. 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 granted Mr. Warne restricted stock awards for an aggregate of 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock that will vest ratably over three years. These awards constitute inducement awards under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4350.
