HEATHROW Fla. Ruth’s Chris Steak House Inc., parent of the 107-unit high-end steakhouse chain, has named industry veteran Damon Liever senior vice president of marketing.
Ruth’s Chris chairman and chief executive Craig Miller said in a statement that the new marketing chief would play an important role in growing sales, increasing awareness of the brand through innovative advertising and marketing, and delivering results in line with the company’s growth strategy.
Liever previously was president of Retail Brand Group LLC, a Sodexho Inc. subsidiary. During his more than 20 years in the industry, he also has held senior management positions at Uno Restaurant Corp., Black-eyed Pea Restaurants, Taco Bell and Frito-Lay Inc.
Earlier this month, Ruth’s Chris forecast second-quarter profits of $76.9 million to $77.1 million, which was below analysts' consensus projection of $78.1 million. Miller attributed the shortfall to the spending slowdown hampering most of casual dining. At the time, he said cost controls and efficiencies should preserve Ruth's Chris’ restaurant-level profitability.
Earlier this year, Miller said Ruth’s Chris planned to add 15 to 17 restaurants during fiscal 2007. The chain opened its 100th restaurant in December.