JCS Holdings Announces Name Change to Ignite Restaurant Group
JCS Holdings, Inc. today announced it will change its corporate name to Ignite Restaurant Group, effective immediately. Ignite is the parent company of the 113-unit Joe's Crab Shack and the recently-minted, three-unit Brick House Tavern + Tap restaurant.
Ray Blanchette, Ignite chief executive officer, said, 'Our new name better reflects who we are and where we are going. Ignite Restaurant Group is a portfolio of unique restaurant concepts fused together by a common commitment to provide guests with memorable and matchless dining experiences.'
Blanchette is a respected food industry veteran. Prior to joining JCS Holdings in 2006, Blanchette served as president and chief operating officer for Pick Up Stix, a leader in the quick-casual dining segment. He also held multiple leadership positions with Carlson Restaurants Worldwide during his 18-year tenure with the company.
Blanchette also serves as chairman of the Great American Dine Out, an annual event sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Share Our Strength. The charity event brings together more than 4,000 restaurants nationwide to raise money to end childhood hunger in America.
Known for his ability to attract, develop and retain top talent, Blanchette said he is excited about moving forward with the experienced leadership team he has assembled at JCS Holdings: Jeff Rager, chief financial officer; Jim Kuhn, senior vice president for strategy and innovation; Jim Mazany, senior vice president for Joe's Crab Shack; Modesta Alcala, senior vice president for Brick House Tavern + Tap; Kevin Cottingim, senior vice president of human resources; Robin Ahearn, vice president of marketing and menu; and Edward Engel, general counsel.
Blanchette is a respected food industry veteran. Prior to joining JCS Holdings in 2006, Blanchette served as president and chief operating officer for Pick Up Stix, a leader in the quick-casual dining segment. He also held multiple leadership positions with Carlson Restaurants Worldwide during his 18-year tenure with the company.
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Blanchette also serves as chairman of the Great American Dine Out, an annual event sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Share Our Strength. The charity event brings together more than 4,000 restaurants nationwide to raise money to end childhood hunger in America.
Known for his ability to attract, develop and retain top talent, Blanchette said he is excited about moving forward with the experienced leadership team he has assembled at JCS Holdings: Jeff Rager, chief financial officer; Jim Kuhn, senior vice president for strategy and innovation; Jim Mazany, senior vice president for Joe's Crab Shack; Modesta Alcala, senior vice president for Brick House Tavern + Tap; Kevin Cottingim, senior vice president of human resources; Robin Ahearn, vice president of marketing and menu; and Edward Engel, general counsel.
