Fatz Cafe parent Cafe Enterprises Inc. has named Jim Mazany, former president of Joe’s Crab Shack, its next president and CEO, the casual-dining operator said Monday.
Mazany is a 30-year industry veteran who has also held senior leadership roles at TGI Fridays and Applebee’s. He takes over at the Taylors, S.C.-based chain for Chris Thomas, who stepped down to “pursue other opportunities.”
“We are excited to have Jim lead the Fatz Cafe brand,” said Scott Warren, board director of Cafe Enterprises. “Jim is a proven restaurant executive whose leadership style will be a great fit for our culture. While 2016 has been a difficult year for those of us in the casual-dining industry, Jim has extensive experience in leading brands to success in challenging times.”
Mazany joined Joe’s Crab Shack in 2007 as senior vice president of operations. He then served as chief operating officer, and ultimately president. Fatz Cafe said that under his watch, the brand saw unit volume grow from $2.2 million per year to $3.2 million per year.
Fatz Cafe was founded in a converted peach shed in 1988. The chain has restaurants across the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Fatz Cafe has 45 locations, and Cafe Enterprises owns one Tavern 24 unit.
“I am honored and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Cafe Enterprises team, and to grow and develop the Fatz Cafe brand,” Mazany said in a statement. “Fatz has deep roots in Southern hospitality and Southern-inspired cuisine, and a dedicated group of team members who have made the brand what it is today.”
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