Mario Cernedas is the new chief operating officer of Roy’s Restaurants, replacing Rick Scott, who left the company earlier this year, according to SSCP Management, the Dallas-based Applebee’s franchisee, a subsidiary that bought Roy’s from Bloomin’ Brands in January.
An industry veteran, Cernedas most recently was COO of RMH Franchise Holdings, an Applebee’s franchisee. Positions he held before include CEO of Cici’s, senior vice president and COO of Texas Land and Cattle, vice president of operations at Tony Roma’s, director of international operations at Benigan’s and director of franchise operations at Applebee’s Services, Inc.
“As we accelerate and prepare Roy’s for the future, we are honored to have Mario join the Roy’s Ohana [family], leading day-to-day operations and ensuring a strengthened connection with each of our guests,” SSCP president Sunil Dharod said in a press release.
“Mario’s natural leadership abilities and vast knowledge of the restaurant industry made him an attractive candidate, and having him onboard will only complement the acceleration and transformation of our business.”
Roy’s was founded in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1988 by chef and restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi, who sold development rights to Bloomin’ Brands in 2000. The upscale chain currently has 28 units.
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