MEMPHIS Tenn. Richard K. Arras has rejoined Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc. as president and chief operating officer of the Perkins brand, the company said Wednesday.
Arras served in the same position from 1988 to 1998, before moving on to become the president and chief executive of such brands as Shoney's and Boston Market. Arras left Boston Market last year.
Perkins & Marie Callender's said Arras will be responsible for overseeing operations for the more than 470-unit Perkins chain.
Though Perkins has struggled in recent years to compete with other brands in both the family-dining and quick-service segments, Arras said he believes the brand still appeals to a wide range of customers.
"Despite dramatic changes in our industry over the past several years, fueled primarily by a challenging economy, the staying power of the Perkins brand is phenomenal," he said. "I truly look forward to once again being an integral part of the strategic development and future of this terrific brand."
Earlier this week, Perkins & Marie Callender's reported that it narrowed its loss in fiscal 2009 but saw declining same-store sales at both brands.
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