SPB Hospitality Promotes Ryan Russell to Chief of Staff

Brand’s marketing and communications senior director elevated to lead cross-functional alignment and strengthen company culture

NASHVILLE (Oct. 27, 2025) – SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leading operator of full-service and quick-service dining restaurants, announced today the promotion of Ryan Russell to Chief of Staff. In his new role, Russell will report directly to Chairman and CEO G.J. Hart and work alongside the leadership team to enhance cross-functional collaboration, strengthen company culture and support strategic initiatives across SPB’s portfolio.

“Ryan brings a unique combination of operational expertise and a deep commitment to our team members and guests,” said Hart. “He has a proven track record of driving performance across SPB’s restaurant portfolio while building strong partnerships with our support team, operators and communities. In his new role as Chief of Staff, Ryan will continue to oversee PR and corporate communications while expanding his focus on internal communications, culture and cross-brand alignment, ensuring our restaurants and teams are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence every day.”

Russell, who joined SPB Hospitality in 2021, has advanced through multiple leadership roles, most recently as Senior Director of Communications and Marketing. Throughout his tenure, he has led corporate communications, public relations strategy and SPB’s community engagement efforts, including the HOPE Program. He has also expanded the brand’s cause marketing to include initiatives with Gift A Meal and K9s for Warriors. His operational experience spans restaurant, hotel and event operations; restaurant and hotel marketing; and strategic sales, giving him a well-rounded understanding of what drives hospitality success from the back office to the front of house.

“My career with SPB has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to a company that prioritizes people and purpose,” said Russell. “I look forward to partnering with our leadership team to advance our strategic priorities and continue building programs that make our brands some of the best in the industry.”

Russell’s leadership and impact have been recognized industry-wide. In 2024, he was named one of FSR Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars, honoring his contributions to communications, community engagement and operational excellence.

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 and Village Whiskey, and Logan’s Roadhouse. Visit SPBHospitality.com to learn more.

About Fortress Investment Group LLCFortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $53 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2025, 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. AUM refers to assets Fortress manages, including capital that Fortress has the right to call from investors, or investors are otherwise required to contribute, pursuant to their capital commitments to various funds or managed accounts. To learn more, visit Fortress.com.

Krystal Turns 93 With Loyalty Program Launch, Birthday Treats and Eating Contest

October celebration features rollout of nationwide Club Krystal program, sweet new menu items, a chance to win free Krystal for a year and the return of limited-time fall favorites

ATLANTA (Sept. 29, 2025) – Krystal is turning 93 this October and invites guests to celebrate with the nationwide launch of its Club Krystal loyalty program, birthday-inspired menu items and a high-stakes eating contest. The new loyalty program expands the brand’s digital experience, giving fans across the country the chance to earn points, redeem rewards and enjoy exclusive deals.

Club Krystal: Loyalty Made Delicious
The nationwide rollout enables Krystal fans to:

• Earn points with every qualifying purchase of food or non-alcoholic beverages
• Track rewards and progress in the Krystal app
• Redeem discounts starting at 500 points 
• Unlock exclusive offers like a birthday reward and early access to promotions
• Access convenience features like store locator and referral rewards

Guests can sign up for Club Krystal through the app or on the web at krystal.com/rewards. Upon signing up, guests will receive a welcome reward, $3 off their next $12 order.

Birthday Month Treats 

Krystal is also celebrating its 93rd year, a remarkable legacy of serving up iconic, crave-worthy bites to generations of fans, with sweet and festive menu items:

• Birthday Cake Shake – A birthday cake-flavored shake loaded with rainbow sprinkles for a fun and festive treat, available in small and medium sizes
• Birthday Cake Glaze Bombs – Classic glaze bombs get a festive twist with colorful rainbow sprinkles for a sweet, fun-packed bite, available in 4-count and 10-count packs at the same price as traditional Glaze Bombs

Krystal Slider Showdown

On Friday, Oct. 24, Krystal’s actual birthday, two restaurants will host the Krystal Slider Showdown eating contest from 10 a.m. to noon: 6405 Jonesboro Road in Morrow, Georgia, and 4868 Hixson Pike in Hixson, Tennessee. Participants can register online at https://krystal.texttaponit.com/preview/bigbiteshowdown. All contestants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and gift bag, while winners in each city will score the grand prize: free Krystal for a year and a Slider Gold Medal. The event will also feature a prize wheel with giveaways for participants and attendees.

“Turning 93 is a rare milestone in this industry, and we wanted to celebrate it the Krystal way — with big flavors, fun experiences and rewards for our guests,” said Kristen Hohl, EVP of Marketing for SPB Hospitality, Krystal’s parent brand. “The launch of Club Krystal makes this birthday especially meaningful, giving fans a new way to connect with the brand while enjoying limited-time treats like the Birthday Cake Shake and Glaze Bombs.”

Fall Flavors Return

October also marks the return of seasonal favorites, like Krystal’s cooked-to-order Sausage Gravy breakfast lineup and popular Chili in a bowl:

• Sausage Gravy Biscuit – A warm, flaky buttermilk biscuit smothered in rich, savory white sausage gravy
• Sausage Gravy Tater Scrambler – Crispy tots layered with scrambled eggs, melted American cheese, a savory sausage patty and smothered in sausage gravy
• Sausage Gravy Biscuit Scrambler – A flaky buttermilk biscuit stacked with scrambled eggs, sausage and gravy for a Southern classic reimagined
• Hearty Beef-and-Bean Chili – Available in a 12 oz. bowl or as a combo upgrade for a cozy, comforting meal

Krystal’s birthday promotions run Sept. 29 through Nov. 2 at participating locations, with fall menu items available for a limited time. Loyalty program benefits and rewards are available year-round through the Club Krystal app.

For more information or to find the nearest Krystal, visit Krystal.com.

© 2025 Krystal Restaurants LLC. All Rights Reserved. 
About Krystal Restaurants LLC:
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Krystal Restaurants LLC is the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South. Krystal hamburgers have been served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun since 1932. The company proudly sticks to the classics, but they’ve never been afraid to innovate. Krystal has expanded to 12 states with nearly 300 restaurants and continues to deliver a one-of-a-kind taste experience through unique menu items offered at a great price. In 2025, QSR Magazine ranked Krystal among its Top 50 Contenders list, Technomic placed the brand on its Top 500 list, and USA Today’s 10Best named Krystal a runner-up for “Best Fast Food Breakfast” after placing in the top ten in 2024.

SPB Hospitality Promotes Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing

Longtime brand leader elevated to drive marketing strategy across SPB’s diverse restaurant portfolio

HOUSTON (Sept. 2, 2025) – SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group, announced the promotion of Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to recognizing and advancing exceptional talent from within its organization.

Hohl first joined SPB Hospitality in 2018 as a Senior Marketing Manager for Logan’s Roadhouse, and has steadily risen through the company ranks from her home base in Nashville. Over the past seven years, she has helped shape and elevate marketing strategies across SPB’s portfolio, which spans quick-service, casual-plus and fine dining concepts. Her leadership has been instrumental to driving measurable sales growth, strengthening guest connections and positioning SPB’s brands for long-term success.

“Kristen has played a key role in elevating our brands and building stronger connections with guests,” said Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “She brings a rare balance of creativity and data-driven strategy that has delivered measurable results across the portfolio. This promotion reflects her leadership and the impact she’s had. I’m confident she will continue to strengthen our culture and drive the growth of our brands nationwide.”

Hohl’s career trajectory within SPB reflects her talent for leadership and innovation. She was promoted to Marketing Director in 2020 and to Senior Director of Marketing in 2022. She was subsequently named Vice President of Marketing in 2023 and, in 2024, elevated to Senior Vice President of Marketing. Across these roles, she took on increasing responsibility for brand strategy, national campaigns and franchise partner support, driving gains in traffic and trial,  brand relevancy and profitability while deepening collaboration between marketing and operations — a hallmark of her leadership style. 

In her new role as EVP of Marketing, Hohl will oversee the evolution and execution of marketing, culinary, and beverage strategies as well as concept development for all SPB brands — including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse — ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term objectives while fostering innovation and franchisee success. 

“At its core, SPB is about Serving People Better, whether that’s creating memorable experiences for our guests or supporting the incredible teams behind our brands,” said Hohl. “I’m honored to continue leading with that purpose and helping our brands grow stronger and more connected in communities across the country.”

About SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality operates a diverse portfolio of quick-service and full-service dining restaurants across 35 states. Its brands include Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, and high-end concepts like J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill, alongside Chef Jose Garces’ Amada and Village Whiskey. Visit SPBHospitality.com to learn more.

About Fortress Investment Group LLCFortress 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.