WASHINGTON The Palm Restaurant Group said Monday that it has named John T. Bettin president and chief executive.
Bettin, a former president of the Chicago-based Morton’s steakhouse chain, replaces Wally Ganzi, who is retiring. Ganzi, co-owner of the company, will continue to serve as its co-chairman along with co-owner Bruce Bozzi Jr. Ganzi, 65, said he would devote his time to creating international expansion opportunities for the 24-unit chain.
Bettin most recently served as president and CEO of Buca Inc., parent of the 88-unit Buca di Beppo Italian dinnerhouse chain. Buca recently was acquired by Planet Hollywood International Inc.
Bettin served as president of Morton's for seven years. He also has worked as chief operating officer of Potbelly Sandwich Works Inc.