Three industry veterans join O’Charley’s at Nashville-based headquarters to support company’s growth and momentum
Nashville, TN (Restaurant News Release) American Blue Ribbon Holdings today announced the hiring of three strategic leadership positions at O’Charley’s during a continued time of investment and resurgence for the classic casual dining brand. The acquisition of three proven industry veterans is another illustration of the brand’s forward momentum, as new talent arrives at O’Charley’s amidst a successful revitalization that began immediately after being acquired by American Blue Ribbon Holdings in spring of 2012. O’Charley’s leadership hires announced today include:
- David Ellis, VP of Marketing;
- Bill Powell, Senior Director of Culinary; and
- Kim Zimmerman Florence, Director of Learning & Development.
“We are thrilled to welcome David, Bill, and Kim to the American Blue Ribbon Holdings family during an exciting phase of forward momentum and success for O’Charley’s,” said Hazem Ouf, president and chief executive officer of American Blue Ribbon Holdings, the parent company of O’Charley’s. “These talented professionals will be integral pieces of O’Charley’s president Mickey Mills’ leadership team and will serve to further our relationship with guests and aid us in continuing to surpass the lofty goals we set for O’Charley’s when we acquired the brand just last year. We have come a long way, and look forward to drawing from the considerable talents and capabilities of these new team members to take us even further.”
David Ellis
David Ellis has been named VP of Marketing for O’Charley’s. Prior to joining O’Charley’s, Ellis served as VP of Marketing and Brand Communications for KFC in Louisville, KY. The previous six years he held several positions at Darden Restaurants, for both Olive Garden and Red Lobster, encompassing Brand Management, National Promotions and Menu Strategy. Ellis received his undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia and went on to obtain an MBA in Marketing from Vanderbilt University.
Bill Powell
Bill Powell has been named Senior Director of Culinary for O’Charley’s. Powell joins O’Charley’s from Darden Restaurants where he served as the Director of Culinary Development for Longhorn Steakhouse. Powell is a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Research Chefs Association and the Board of Directors for the International Chefs Association.
Kim Zimmerman Florence
Kim Zimmerman Florence has been named Director of Learning & Development for O’Charley’s. Zimmerman Florence has an extensive background in the hospitality industry having helped organizations achieve exceptional customer service results at Indigo Hotels, Longhorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill. She brings extensive experience in opening new restaurants, building teams and promoting development to enhance performance. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
The appointments come amidst a successful revitalization as O’Charley’s continues to unveil popular new menu items as well as update locations across its footprint with exterior and interior reimaging which have been popular amongst guests. The company has redefined what guests expect of O’Charley’s, revolutionizing the dining experience with open and inviting floor plans, and quickly becoming famous for its award-winning pies and “Free Pie Wednesday.”
For more information on O’Charley’s and its locations nearest you visit www.ocharleys.com or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ocharleysfans.
About O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., includes 213 restaurants in 17 states in the Southeast and Midwest, including 207 company-owned and operated O’Charley’s restaurants and six restaurants operated by franchises and joint venture partners.
American Blue Ribbon Holdings
American Blue Ribbon Holdings (ABRH) is a diversified restaurant company that operates or franchises more than 630 company and franchise restaurants in 43 states. ABRH brands include O’Charley’s, Ninety Nine, Max & Erma’s, Village Inn, Bakers Square and Legendary Baking. ABRH is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF). For more information on American Blue Ribbon Holdings, please visit http://www.abrholdings.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
Justin Wilson
615-327-7999