Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp, owner of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes, today named David Goronkin as the company's CEO. Goronkin, who was most recently the CEO of Real Mex Restaurants, holds more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

At Real Mex, Goronkin helped operate the Chevy's Fresh Mex, El Torito, and Acapulco brands in more than a dozen states. Previously, he held positions as president and CEO of Bennigan's Franchising Company and management roles at companies like Redstone American Grill, Famous Dave's of America, and Buffet's Inc.

"I'm excited and honored to be joining the Garden Fresh team," says Goronkin, who has received the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Silver Plate Award in 2006. "The company has a strong, values-based culture, and Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes are two great brands that are well positioned as more Americans seek out fresh, healthy dining options. I'm confident Garden Fresh can capture this opportunity and build on the company's past success."

Goronkin will succeed Michael Mack, who founded Garden Fresh in 1983.