Denny’s, Pita Pit, Zaxby’s and more are changing management positions

Staff Illustration

Patty Trevino, Denny’s | All photos courtesy of the brands.

Denny’s Corp. announced Patty Trevino to the position of Senior Vice President and Brand Director of its parent brand and appointed Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie as chief human resources officer for the restaurant chain and its sister concept, Keke’s. Both bring more than two decades of business experience to their new roles. Trevino most recently served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Red Lobster, where Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade also served prior to her current role. Trevino previously held senior marketing positions at Carl’s, Jr., Burger King and Outback Steakhouse, the parent company of Bloomin’ Brands.

Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie, Denny’s

Saygbay-Hallie joins Denny’s after serving as chief human resources officer for Drive-In Checkers & Rally Group. Previously, she held human resources positions at Sysco, a foodservice distributor, and Yum Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Meghan Haugen, Pita Pit

Mediterranean-style fast-casual restaurant chain Pita Pit is promoting Meghan Haugen to chief operating officer. Previously, she served as director of operations and, before that, director of training and corporate dining for the 68-unit chain based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Chris Kung, Zaxby

Chicken restaurant chain Zaxby’s added Chris Kung as the new chief digital officer, tasked with developing the chain’s loyalty and e-commerce initiatives. Kung most recently served as chief digital officer at Dollar General.

Gen Korean BBQ has a new board member. The Korean barbecue concept called David Park to the board. Park is currently a chief investment officer at Alpha Park Partners, a long-term investment fund based in New York. He has held several management positions analyzing public and private companies for various financial firms.

Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown Announces Lindsay Whalen as Director of Food and Beverage. In this role, Whalen will manage all aspects of the property’s food and beverage operations, including menu planning, cost analysis, purchasing, inventory management and staffing for the Bluestone Lane Café, Topgolf Swing Suites and Lovelorn Lounge & Pool Bar. He will also join the team Jason Lawson as executive chef. Lawson will oversee back-of-house operations as well as the creation of new menu items that represent the best of Nashville cuisine.

Catherine Ames, Indigo Road

Multi-concept operator Indigo Hospitality Group promoted Catherine Ames to CMO, with responsibility for all external and internal communications. Ames, who joined the 35-restaurant company in 2021, was previously chief marketing officer. She reports to founder and Chief Vision Officer Steve Palmer. Indigo is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jeff Vucko joined Deer Path Inn as executive chef, overseeing culinary programs at The English Room, White Hart Pub and The Bar at the renowned suburban Chicago hotel. “Chef Jeff’s passion for flavor and elevated presentation is palpable,” said general manager James Barnett in a statement. “It’s exciting to see him take on this role with a curiosity and appetite for innovation, inspiring his culinary team to serve our dishes with pride that reflects our 95-year history.”

SPB Hospitality, owner of Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse and other chains, has hired a restaurant industry veteran Andy Somers as vice president of operations for Old Chicago and brewery concepts. Somers most recently served as senior director of operations at PF Chang’s, where he spent more than six years. Before that, he spent more than 10 years at Red Robin. He will oversee SPB’s brands, including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and Gordon Biersch Brewery.

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