Black Bear Diner, a fast-growing family dining brand based in Northern California, has promoted two employees to the roles of president and chief operating officer.
Anita Adams, left, who joined Black Bear Diner in March 2017 as chief financial officer, has added president to her title. Steve Standlea, who joined in September that year, most recently served as senior vice president of operations support. He is now the company’s COO. Adams, who retains her CFO title, and Standlea will both report directly to CEO and concept co-founder Bruce Dean.
Both roles are new to the company.
“Anita and Steve have been strong members of our leadership team and these promotions signify the importance of their leadership and vision for Black Bear Diner, as we continue to grow and expand,” Dean said in a statement.
Last year, the Redding, Calif.-based Black Bear Diner climbed 21 spots in NRN’s Top 200 rankings by U.S. systemwide sales. Its growth strategy includes taking over distressed locations. In Southern California, for example, the chain has opened on property that once housed Coco’s and Carrows locations.
Both executives “will focus on advising Dean and continuing to improve operations and drive sales growth,” the company said.
The company, whose restaurants sell home-style comfort food in a mountain lodge-themed setting, has 128 locations in 13 states. Last year, it opened 15 diners. To date, it has opened eight locations in 2019.
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