Lawry’s Restaurants has named Ryan O’Melveny Wilson chief marketing and strategy officer for all of its restaurants worldwide, including 11 Lawry’s The Prime Rib, two-unit Lawry’s Carvery, two-unit SideDoor, The Tam O’Shanter in Los Angeles and Five Crowns in Corona del Mar, Calif.
Wilson is the nephew of chairman and CEO Richard Frank and great-grandson of Lawry’s founder Lawrence Frank. Most recently he was the group’s vice president and executive chef and oversaw culinary development at the brand’s overseas locations. Among other positions, he was previously opening chef of The Prime Rib locations in Shanghai and Osaka.
In a press release announcing his appointment, the restaurant group said Wilson will oversee the Prime Ribs’ revitalization.
The refurbished restaurants will feature “a more diverse menu and dramatic design anchored by an expanded bar area and reinvigorated dining room, that simultaneously preserves Lawry’s rich history and signature tableside service.”
“Some of my earliest memories are of watching the carvers push the silver carts through Lawry’s dining room,” Wilson said in a statement. “It’s been a thrill to see the brand continue to grow and thrive over the years, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help usher in its next era.”
Wilson also will oversee marketing and product & business development as well as managing international licensees.
“Family has always been at the heart of the Lawry’s experience,” Frank said. “Ryan has extensive industry experience and has been a key part of the company for years, so he has an innate understand both of our DNA and the restaurant world overall. I’m excited to see him lead the charge in our next chapter.”
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