Restaurants Unlimited Inc. said Thursday that Norman Abdallah has stepped down as president and chief executive of the multi-concept operator and has been replaced with Scott Smith, the company’s chief operations officer.
Abdallah was brought in by RUI majority owner Sun Capital Partners in March 2009 to stabilize the Seattle-based operator of 48 restaurants and 14 brands, and to build a new foundation for future growth. During the past year, he has reworked several key brands, the company said, in some cases increasing same-store sales by as much as 15 percent.
Abdallah also negotiated a recapitalization with Sun Capital and North Point Advisors, and closed 10 locations — including the Seattle location of Pizzeria Fondi — as recently as last month.
“What’s next?” Abdallah said in a statement, “I am not certain what my next challenge will entail. I have enjoyed being part of the RUI family and look forward to their future success. These restaurants are some of the best in class, and I know the operators will continue the impressive job of developing unique and crave-able brands.”
The change in management has also resulted in shifts in position throughout the team.
Smith, who had served as COO since June 2009, will be replaced in that role by Rene de la Garrigue, previously vice president of operations. Mike Majestic, formerly the marketing brand manager, has been promoted to director of marketing.
Continuing in their current roles are chief financial officer Robin Galloway and chief creative officer Don Adams.
RUI operates restaurants in 11 states, including 14 Kincaid’s Fish, Chop and Steakhouses; eight Palomino’s; nine Stanford’s; seven Newport Bay and Newport Seafood Grills; and one-offs Portland City Grill; Palisade; Henry’s 12 Street Tavern; Cutter’s Bayhouse; Scott’s Bar & Grill; Ryan’s Grill; Manzana; Billy Heartbeat’s; Pizzeria Fondi; and Maggie’s Bluff.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].