Big News
Chipotle's CEO Search is Over

Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol will be the next chief executive of Chipotle. 

Executive Movements

Sonic Corp. announced promotions of Claudia S. San Pedro to president and Corey R. Horsch to chief financial officer. 
Full Article »

Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Leadership Changes for Jack in the Box® Brand
Full Article » 


Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar® announced the addition of Joel Yashinsky as senior vice president and chief marketing officer.


Darden Restaurants, Inc. announced the appointment of Dave George as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  Full Article » 


California Pizza Kitchen Names Jim Hyatt as CEO
Full Article » 


Financial Overview

Burger King's stellar performance carried RBI to a Wall Street-busting quarter. Revenue climbed 11 percent to $1.23 billion
Full Article » 


Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) reported results for the fourth quarter
Full Article »  


FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has approved its first quarterly cash dividend.
Full Article » 


Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.
Full Article » 


Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. reported results for the 13-week fiscal fourth quarter and 52-week fiscal year ended December 30, 2017.
Full Article » 


Total consolidated revenue decreased 38.1% to $4.2 million compared to $6.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. 
Full Article » 


Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) announced results for the fiscal second quarter ended Dec. 27, 2017.
Full Article » 


McDonald's Corporation
announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.
Full Article » 

Viewpoint
The Salary History Question is Dead

by Bob Gershberg, CEO/Managing Partner Wray Executive Search

Bob Gershberg
"What is your current salary?" is a question familiar to all job seekers and most employers. If you are an employer or an agent of an employer, asking this question of candidates on job applications or during interviews, you will need to revisit your processes considering the new compensation history bans popping up across the country.

That's What She Said: What Men Need to Know (And Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together

By Joanne Lipman

The national dialogue around sexual harassment is a watershed moment for our time. This isn't just a female problem. Men and women must work towards a solution together. In her new book, That's What She Said: What Men Need to Know (And Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together, veteran journalist Joanne Lipman explores how men can join the conversation to close the gender gap-including steps they can take right now to move toward a solution. In the introduction titled, "Men Aren't the Enemy." Lipman says it's important to refrain from male-bashing while looking for solutions to promote equality for women on the job. 

Executive Chat with David Crabtree
President & CEO of Margaritaville

by Rebecca Patt, SVP Development, Wray Executive Search

Rebecca Patt
This month, Rebecca chats with hospitality pro David Crabtree, President and CEO of IMCMV Holdings, Inc., licensee of the Margaritaville, Landshark Bar & Grill, and Air Margaritaville restaurants in the USA.

"A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them."  
~M. D. Arnold
Restaurant Themes, 2018

by John A. Gordon, Principal and Founder of Pacific Management Consulting Group

John Gordon
Now that we are solidly in 2018, a number of commonly heard restaurant themes are being heard and confirmed. The romance and hope behind restaurant ownership hasn't faded; restaurants are after all always investible, they are an important social and needs fulfillment outlet of rising people and cultures everywhere. But money does not grow on trees, its takes some considerable work to develop one's career, manage the brand on a national or international framework and keep franchisees, debt and equity investors happy.

CAVA - A Budding Success Story

by Joe Radice, Vice President, Wray Executive Search

Joe Radice
One afternoon in late fall, I passed by CAVA, a new fast casual restaurant on Park Avenue South.  It was late lunchtime, after 2 pm, but the line waiting to get in was still long.  I passed by, again, several days later, at about the same time, and again, the line was long. In 2016, when fast casuals were booming throughout Manhattan, it was not unusual for a new restaurant concept to quickly develop waiting lines due, primarily, to social media.  This past year, fast casual restaurants have over-saturated the city's blocks and waiting lines have virtually disappeared.  CAVA, however, seems to be maintaining long lines since their recent opening, even in the cold month of January.  I did some homework and asked millennials in my "co-working office" space about CAVA, as well as my young niece, who lives in D.C. where Cava Mezza originated.

Speaking of Psychographic Assessments:
Getting to Know the PXT Select

by Tom Rollert, VP, Culture Integration, Wray Executive Search

Tom Rollert
A few months ago we announced that we were offering our clients the option of utilizing of the PXT Select™ assessment tool to aid in the hiring process.  As a PXT Select™ authorized partner, we are able to access the resources of Profiles International, a WILEY Publishing subsidiary, to aid our clients in both the hiring process as well as coaching that may be required after onboarding. In this article, we'll look at what the assessment has to offer, so you may be better informed as to whether or not it will aid you in assuring the candidates you hire will be the best possible fit.  If you find the information interesting and would like to learn more, just contact me directly for more detailed information.