Former Universal Studios executive Larry Kurzweil has been named president and CEO of the Lemonade Restaurant Group, the company said this week.
Effective Dec. 1, the move comes as co-founders Alan Jackson assumes the role of chairman and chief culinary officer, and Ian Olsen becomes chief development officer.
Kurzweil served most recently as president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Hollywood from 1999 to 2016, overseeing the theme park and studio tour. Before that, he held marketing and management positions at Darden Restaurants, Nestle Foods and General Mills, the company said.
Jackson, in a statement, said the changes would allow the Los Angeles-based chain’s founders to focus on the aspects they’re most passionate about: food, culture and guest experience.
“We are thrilled to have Larry join Lemonade as president and CEO and believe it is the next step in growing Lemonade as a national brand,” said Jackson. “We selected Larry for his innate ability to shepherd strong brands to the next level of success and believe that his seasoned experience as a key executive leading best-in-category consumer-retail brands is an incredible and unique asset that will be instrumental in Lemonade’s continued growth.”
Founded in 2008, the fast-casual Lemonade chain includes 25 restaurants in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay area.
Earlier this year, Lemonade won a significant equity investment from investment firm Butterfly Enterprises.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout