SAN DIEGO Calif. John Wright will step down as chairman and chief executive of the Pat & Oscar’s chain by the end of March as part of a planned management transition, company officials said Monday.
Wright, who lives in Charleston, S.C., said he wanted to end his cross-country commute to Pat & Oscar’s headquarters in San Diego. Over the past two years, Wright has headed the 19-unit chain’s turnaround under its parent, Australia-based private-equity firm Pacific Equity Partners. Last year Pacific Equity Partners, which also owns the Sizzler USA grill chain, announced that both chains were for sale.
George Hunter, chief operating officer, and Brent Dunkin, chief financial officer, will be responsible for day-to-day operations.
After wrapping up responsibilities with Pat & Oscar’s, Wright said he planned to take a more active role in Restaurant Connections International, a Pizza Hut franchise operation in Brazil, in which he is a shareholder.
“My time at Pat & Oscar’s has been both personally and professionally enjoyable. We have established the company on a solid foundation and initiated both company and franchisee growth,” Wright said. “I am especially pleased with the outstanding team in place, which will take the company to the next level. I plan on retaining my shares in Pat & Oscar’s, and I am looking forward to following their continued success.”
