Executives at BJ's Restaurants, Shake Shack, Bonchon, and additional food establishments take significant steps in their leadership roles.
The fast food and restaurant industry is experiencing a wave of executive changes and leadership shifts, as several notable companies announce new appointments and restructuring efforts. Here are some of the key updates that have taken place in mid-2025:
- Melting Pot has appointed John “JC” Crawford as its new CEO, succeeding founder Bob Johnston, who remains chairman of the board. Crawford previously served as executive vice president of operations.
- Subway has hired Jonathan Fitzpatrick, a former Burger King executive and CEO of Driven Brands, as its new CEO, effective from July 28, 2025. Fitzpatrick is the first CEO hired since the company was acquired by Roark Capital in 2024.
- BJ’s Restaurants has named William Atkins as its interim CFO following the resignation of Thomas Houdek in June 2025. Atkins comes from FLG Partners, a CFO advisory firm.
- Shake Shack has appointed Jamie Griffin as its chief people officer. Griffin has two decades of experience in scaling restaurants, including work with Raising Cane’s.
- Edible Brands, the parent company to Edible Arrangements, Roti Modern Mediterranean, and edibles.com, has named Matthew Walls as its president and chief stores officer. Walls has held executive roles at Domino’s, CKE Restaurants, and Caribou Coffee.
- Bonchon, the Korean fried chicken chain, has added David Wheeler as VP of development and Michel Haddad as director of design and construction. Both have significant prior leadership experience in several restaurant chains.
- At Bloomin’ Brands, Rafael Sanchez joined in a leadership role focusing on technology and digital transformation efforts, with previous senior roles at Burger King and other companies.
In addition to these changes, several companies have made internal promotions and strategic hires from related industry segments. For example:
- Corey Cova, a Navy veteran and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has taken on roles as the executive chef at Metropole on Walnut in Cincinnati and the owner of Porkchop Slims in California, following stints in high-end New York kitchens, including Momofuku Ssam Bar, Morimoto, and Earl's Beer & Cheese.
- Becca McIntyre has been appointed as the VP of supply chain and culinary at Beans & Brews Coffee House.
- Carrie Cohen has been named as the senior manager of digital marketing at Beans & Brews Coffee House.
- Rachel Day has been appointed as the senior manager of social media at Beans & Brews Coffee House.
These updates reflect a trend of both internal promotions and strategic hires from related industry segments aimed at growth, modernization, and franchise expansion across fast food and casual dining brands. The changes come as the industry continues to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on dining habits.
- The appointment of John "JC" Crawford as the new CEO of Melting Pot marks a significant transition in the leadership of finance and lifestyle companies, following his successful stint as executive vice president of operations.
- Amidst the wave of changes in the fast food and restaurant industry, Edible Brands has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Matthew Walls, who brings extensive experience in food-and-drink business and careers, as its president and chief stores officer.
