PLANO Texas Jeff Moody has been replaced as chief executive of the 800-unit Metromedia Restaurant Group, based here, by Vince Runco, formerly chief operating officer and executive vice president of the division that operates MRG’s Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale chains. The company said Moody resigned to pursue other opportunities.
Runco also assumed Moody’s responsibilities as president of the casual-dining division. He was succeeded as EVP and COO there by John Saling, previously senior vice president of operations.
The promotion puts Runco in charge of MRG’s budget steakhouse chains, Ponderosa and Bonanza, as well as its casual-dining brands. The change comes as MRG tries to reinvigorate its Bennigan’s grill-and-bar chain, in part by franchising. In addition to serving as EVP and COO of the casual-dining division, Runco served as president of worldwide franchising for Bennigan’s. MRG has yet to name his successor for that role
Ponderosa and Bonanza are predominantly franchised. Steak and Ale is all company-operated.
In other executive changes, Eric Taylor, Bennigan’s vice president of franchising, has been appointed senior vice president of worldwide franchise operations for MRG.
MRG’s restaurant brands operate in 16 nations.
