Officials at O’Charley’s Inc. (NASDAQ:CHUX) , a casual-dining restaurant company, today announced that Michael K. Ellis is joining the company as chief development officer. In his new position, he will source and secure sites for new restaurants, identify and implement strategies to reduce energy and maintenance costs, and manage the construction process for the company’s rebranding programs.
Ellis joins O’Charley’s from BP Products North America where he served as vice president – asset management, responsible for all aspects of development for a 3,500-unit fuel, convenience store and food operation under the BP Connect and Arco am/pm brands. He also oversaw the firm’s divestment program.
Previously, he was senior vice president of development for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, where in two years he completed a $70 million restaurant remodel program and developed two new restaurant prototypes. He also held senior development positions at other international restaurant companies, including Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Burger King Corporation. At Darden, he completed Olive Garden’s 464-restaurant repositioning program, Revitalia.
“Mike has a tremendous amount of experience in all aspects of development, from new construction to renovation,” said Gregory L. Burns, O’Charley’s Inc. chairman and CEO. “Given his industry knowledge and proven record of success, Mike is extremely well qualified to help us achieve our ambitious development goals.”
Ellis succeeds James Quackenbush, who is stepping down from his current position to reside full-time in Massachusetts with his family and will remain as a consultant to the O’Charley’s Inc. Ninety Nine restaurant concept in support of their real estate operations.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., O’Charley’s Inc. is a multi-concept restaurant company that operates or franchises a total of 363 restaurants under three brands: O’Charley’s, Ninety Nine Restaurant, and Stoney River Legendary Steaks.
