Panera, PJ Whelihan’s, District Taco and others expand their leadership ranks
Employee mapping
Mark Shambura, Panera | All images courtesy of the brands.
Mark Shambura was named CMO of Panera Bread and will lead all aspects of marketing, including brand building, digital and loyalty, product strategy and consumer insights. Shambura was previously CMO at Papa John’s, where he led the Better Ingredients, Better Pizza initiative. Before that, he was Executive Director at Chipotle and his experience also includes MOD Pizza.
PJW Restaurant Group, a multi-concept group based in Westmont, New Jersey that operates PJ Whelihan’s Pub, The ChopHouse, Treno Pizza Bar and The Pour House, has Jessica Breslow CEO. Breslow has served as the group’s COO for the past three years and has led marketing and technology since 2016. She succeeds Jim Fris, who retired after two decades at PJW but continues to serve as a consultant.
Victoria Stratton, District Taco
District Taco announces two key additions to its leadership team as the fast-casual restaurant accelerates its franchise growth. Victoria Stratton joins as Director of Design and John Deacon assumes the role of director of real estate development. These appointments are in line with the Mexican concept’s goals of showcasing its Yucatán roots, offering exceptional culinary experiences and expanding its presence in key markets, a statement said.
John Brittain, Biscuitville
Biscuitville Fresh Southern of Greensboro, North Carolina, sponsored John Brittain as vice president of information technology. Brittain was previously the chain’s senior IT director for supplier management. Biscuitville operates more than 80 restaurants in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina.
Tony Maldonado, GoTo Foods
GoTo Foods has appointed Tony Maldonado as senior vice president of design and engineering. He will provide strategic leadership and oversee prototype development for all seven of the platform company’s brands, including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s. Maldonado previously served as president of Handels Klein LLC and has worked in development for Foot Locker Inc., Chico’s and Gap Inc.
Connor McNeil, Joey Gerards
Chef Connor McNeil was named executive chef at Joey Gerard’s—A Bartolotta Supper Club in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb of Greendale. Most recently, he was executive sous chef at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago and has also worked in the kitchens of Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Sunda New Asian. In Wisconsin, he was formerly executive sous chef of Maggiano’s Little Italy in Milwaukee.
Gladis Lizarraga, Trio Palm Springs
Trio Palm Springs has appointed head chef Gladis Lizarraga take over the kitchen. She is the first female chef at the 14-year-old restaurant, the company said. She served as sous chef at Trio and prepared the baked goods there. Her previous experience includes Farmer & The Seahorse in the San Diego area and work at the Cohn Restaurant Group, including Island Prime, C Level, Vintana and Coasterra Modern Mexican.
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