Logan’s Roadhouse Inc. has named Hazem Ouf CEO, the operator said Thursday.
Ouf, a 35-year industry veteran, was most recently CEO at American Blue Ribbon Holdings LLC. He will be responsible for reinvigorating Logan’s Roadhouse, the Nashville, Tenn.-based steakhouse chain that recently emerged from bankruptcy.
Ouf replaces Sam Borgese, who left Logan’s Roadhouse in August, when the company filed for bankruptcy protection.
“Not only does Hazem have broad and extensive restaurant industry experience, but his exceptional leadership qualities, unique skill-set and proven track record of success make him the perfect fit for this position,” Philip Berney, Logan’s Roadhouse chairman and co-CEO of Kelso & Company, said in a statement.
Ouf has experience with chains rebounding from tough periods. American Blue Ribbon Holdings was created amid the recession. It was formed with the acquisition of several family-dining and casual-dining concepts, many of which had struggled or were sold out of bankruptcy.
He was also CEO of the owner of O’Charley’s for six years, until last year, when he said he had resigned.
Logan’s Roadhouse emerged from bankruptcy in November, after closing 34 locations and trimming its debt from $400 million to $100 million. The company also renegotiated leases to save $4 million per year in rent. The chain now has 195 company locations and 26 franchised units in 20 states.
“Our goal is to position Logan’s Roadhouse to regain its leadership role in the category and to successfully provide growth opportunities for all our team members while maximizing value for all of our stakeholders,” Ouf said in a statement.
Berney said that Ouf’s experience with mergers and turnaround situations makes him a good fit for Logan’s Roadhouse.
“It will take a unique leader with the right skill set to get us where we all want Logan’s Roadhouse to be now and in the future,” Berney said.
Contact Jonathan Maze at [email protected]
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