Former J. Alexander’s leader returns to support portfolio growth and long-term development strategy
Nashville, TN (Restaurant News Release) SPB Hospitality has appointed Keith Wheaton as Senior Vice President of Construction, bringing back a former leader from J. Alexander’s, one of the company’s flagship upscale casual restaurant brands. He returns as SPB continues to build the leadership team supporting growth across its portfolio of restaurant brands.
Wheaton joined SPB on June 22 and will oversee construction initiatives across its restaurant portfolio, including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill and several concepts from Chef Jose Garces, including Amada and Village Whiskey. He brings more than two decades of restaurant industry experience, including leadership roles with On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Captain D’s and J. Alexander’s.
“Restaurant growth gets a lot of attention, but it only happens when the people, systems and standards are in place to support it,” said G.J. Hart, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “Keith understands that better than most because he’s seen this brand from the inside. He knows what our restaurants are supposed to feel like, how they’re supposed to operate and what it takes to execute consistently. That’s incredibly valuable as we continue to grow.”
The appointment comes as SPB continues to execute its operator-first Playbook, a three-year strategy focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence and empowering restaurant leaders. Within the portfolio, J. Alexander’s has emerged as a key growth vehicle, with multiple new restaurant openings planned over the next two years through a deliberate, market-by-market expansion strategy.
Wheaton’s familiarity with the J. Alexander’s brand and development model positions him to help support that growth while maintaining the standards and guest experience that have defined the concept.
“I’ve spent most of my career in restaurant brands where the details matter. Guests may never think about construction, facilities or development, but those decisions shape everything from the first impression of a restaurant to how effectively teams can operate inside it,” said Wheaton. “What drew me back to SPB Hospitality was the opportunity to help preserve what people already value about these brands while supporting the next phase of growth.”
The hire also reflects the company’s broader philosophy of building for the future while drawing on the experience and institutional knowledge that helped shape its strongest brands.
“Part of our strategy is recognizing what has worked and building from that foundation,” Hart said. “Keith understands where we’ve been, where we’re going and what it takes to get there.”
About SPB Hospitality
SPB Hospitality operates a diverse portfolio of full-service dining restaurants across 25 states. Its collection of brands includes J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill, Chef Jose Garces’ Amada, Village Whiskey, Okatshe, Rosa Blanca and Mesa Y Co. SPB Hospitality is a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group. Visit SPBHospitality.com to learn more.
About Fortress Investment Group LLC
Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $49 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024, on behalf of over 2,000 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies. To learn more, visit Fortress.com.
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Betsy DeMik
Champion
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