SPB Hospitality Appoints New Vice President of Operations

Leading hospitality operator introduces Andy Somers to lead Old Chicago and Brewery Division

Houston, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  SPB Hospitality, a leading owner and operator of quick service, casual and fine dining restaurants, announced today that industry veteran Andy Somers has joined the company as Vice President of Operations over their Old Chicago and Brewery Divisions.

Somers brings more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, most recently serving as Senior Director of Operations at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. His extensive career spans from hands-on management roles to high-level corporate positions, showcasing his deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and his ability to navigate its unique challenges.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Andy to SPB,” said CEO of SPB Hospitality Josh Kern. “Andy’s impressive track record and people-centric leadership style align seamlessly with our commitment to Serve People Better. His proven ability to drive operational excellence and his passion for developing strong, motivated teams will be instrumental in elevating the Old Chicago and Brewery brands. We are confident that Andy’s strategic vision will lead to continued growth and success.”

Throughout his career, Somers has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing talent and building strong, motivated teams. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation and a deep respect for the people he works with, making him an ideal fit for SPB’s mission to put people at the heart of everything they do.

Somers’ appointment underscores SPB Hospitality’s dedication to continuous innovation and excellence throughout its concepts. His strategic vision, operational expertise and fresh ideas will be central to the continued success and culture of growth at Old Chicago, as well as with SPB’s brewery division, which includes Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and Gordon Biersch Brewery.

SPB Hospitality manages various iconic restaurants and breweries, including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Krystal, J. Alexander’s, Stoney River, Logan’s Roadhouse and more. With a commitment to serving people better, SPB strives to create unique flavors, memorable moments and cherished memories for guests to enjoy across all of its establishments.

To learn more about SPB Hospitality, visit SPBhospitality.com.

About SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality is a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants across 38 U.S. states and territories. With a national footprint encompassing hundreds of restaurants and breweries, SPB Hospitality is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. SPB Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of restaurant brands includes Logan’s Roadhouse, Krystal Restaurants, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, and an impressive collection of high-end restaurant brands such as J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill.

As one of the country’s largest operators of craft brewery restaurants, SPB Hospitality takes pride in its craft beer expertise. SPB Hospitality proudly owns and operates renowned craft brewery restaurant brands like Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, AIA Ale Works Restaurant & Taproom, Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery.

Visit our website at SPBhospitality.com to explore the exceptional flavors, inviting atmospheres, and unparalleled dining experiences that await you at SPB Hospitality’s restaurants and breweries.

Logan’s Roadhouse Partners With Guests to Fight Hunger and Support Veterans 

The casual dining steakhouse donates over 20,000 meals to local food banks and introduces discount cards to support K9s For Warriors

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2024) – Logan’s Roadhouse is amplifying its community impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships aimed at fighting hunger and supporting veterans. By collaborating with GiftAMeal and K9s For Warriors, Logan’s is doubling down on its commitment to giving back and driving value for its guests.

GiftAMeal Partnership

From February 26 to June 23, 2024, Logan’s Roadhouse participated in the cause-marketing program GiftAMeal, transforming customer photos into meals for local families in need. This partnership enabled guests to make a positive impact while enjoying Logan’s signature dishes.

In a powerful demonstration of community support, Logan’s also sponsored the annual “Stars For Second Harvest” concert at the Ryman Auditorium on June 4. During the event, attendees snapped selfies with the iconic Logan’s Roadhouse cow, and each photo was converted into meals for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee by GiftAMeal.

Since February, Logan’s and its guests have donated more than 20,000 meals through the GiftAMeal program.  

“We’re honored to have contributed so significantly to the GiftAMeal program,” said Ryan Russell, Sr. Director of Communications & Cause Marketing. “Our guests have shown tremendous support, and together, we’ve made a meaningful difference in fighting hunger directly within the local communities where we operate.”

Andrew Glantz, CEO of GiftAMeal, added, “Logan’s Roadhouse has set a new standard in community engagement and generosity. Their commitment has been inspirational, and we are grateful for their partnership.”

K9s For Warriors Bounceback Promotion

Now through the start of the fall season, Logan’s Roadhouse will partner with K9s For Warriors to support veterans. Guests who donate $5 will receive a Bounce Back* card, granting $10 off a $40 purchase at participating Logan’s locations. This initiative not only supports a noble cause, but also offers customers added value for their generosity.

“Our collaboration with K9s For Warriors aligns with our goal to support veterans year-round, not just on Veterans Day,” said Russell. “We’re proud to offer this promotion and further our commitment to those who have served our country.”

This initiative is part of Logan’s ongoing support for veterans and active duty military. Since 2016, Logan’s has provided over 50,000 free meals to veterans through various patriotic holiday promotions. The brand also offers a 10% military discount* for both veterans and active-duty members year-round and employs hundreds of veterans and active-duty individuals across its nearly 130 locations nationwide.

*Bounce Back cards are single-use only and activate 12 hours after issuance. Valid for food items only; excludes alcohol, taxes, merchandise, and gift cards. One card per table per visit. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Redeemable at participating Logan’s Roadhouse locations. Expires 11/10/2024.

*Military ID required. 

About Logan’s Roadhouse

Headquartered in Houston, TX, Logan’s Roadhouse is a leading steakhouse – and The Original Roadhouse – renowned for its mesquite wood-fire grilled steaks, signature yeast rolls and Southern-inspired dishes. With nearly 130 locations across the United States, Logan’s offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu of hearty, delicious meals. For 33 years, the brand has been dedicated to delivering warm hospitality and supporting communities through various charitable initiatives. For more information, visit logansroadhouse.com and follow Logan’s Roadhouse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About GiftAMeal

Founded in 2015, GiftAMeal helps provide a meal to a family in need in a restaurant’s local community every time a guest takes a photo of their order from a partner restaurant. Through over 950 established restaurant partnerships, the GiftAMeal program has helped provide over 2 million meals to those in need across 38 states — one smile at a time. GiftAMeal received the Industry Hero Award by Hospitality Technology in 2023, and earned 1st Place in the Global Impact Awards. For more information, visit https://www.giftameal.com. 

About K9s For Warriors Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from University of Arizona’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their Veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to Veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform. The organization’s operation facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL) Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL) Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, TX) and Warrior Ranch (Just North of San Antonio, TX). For more information, visit www.k9sforwarriors.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Circle K Reopens in Wilson as North Carolina’s Largest EV Charging Site and Krystal Restaurant

Reopening event on June 26 featured prizes, giveaways, food samples, free EV charging and 40 cents per gallon savings on fuel

WILSON, N.C. (June 27, 2024) – Circle K is making it easy for commuters and travelers along two major highway arteries to refresh, fill up and charge up. 

The global convenience store chain celebrated the reopening of its location at I-95 and Raleigh Rd. Parkway on Wednesday, June 26. The location includes the largest bank of EV fast chargers in North Carolina as well as the state’s first Krystal restaurant.

To mark the occasion, representatives of the Wilson Chamber of Commerce joined Circle K and Krystal leaders and cut the ribbon at 11 a.m. On opening day, customers enjoyed samples of food, prize raffles, giveaways and fun kids’ activities; free EV charging all day long; and a 40-cent per gallon discount on fuel from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Located at 4940 Raleigh Rd. Pkwy near I-95 exit 121 close to the I-587 interchange, the 6,781-square-foot store employs 25 team members and includes:

• A fuel canopy with 18 pumps serving Circle K gasoline and diesel fuel
• Five lanes of high-speed diesel offering DEF, along with a CAT Scale and truck parking
• The largest Electronic Vehicle charging site in North Carolina, with 20 Tesla and 5 Circle K charging spots
• A 2,000 square-foot Krystal’s Restaurant.

Krystal is known as the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, serving up fresh, hot sliders on signature square buns since 1932. The Wilson Circle K location is operated by Circle K staff, offering around-the-clock service, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menus.

Inside the store, in addition to a full range of branded snacks and packaged beverages, ice cold beer, age-restricted offerings and clean restrooms, customers can enjoy grab and go fresh food, fast sandwiches, burgers and snacks, 100% sustainably sourced coffee freshly ground to order, ice cold Polar Pop favorites, and signature Froster frozen drinks, as well as a wide range of convenience items.

“We are on a mission to make our customers’ lives a little easier every day, and this site does so in a big way for local customers as well as interstate travelers,” said Will Rice, Circle K Vice President of Operations, Coastal Carolinas Region. “We’re excited to bring this new experience to Wilson, meeting the needs of EV drivers and truck drivers alike, as well as a Krystal restaurant and updated store experience to enjoy while you’re plugged in or filling up.”

About Circle K and Alimentation Couche-Tard 

Circle K is a subsidiary of Alimentation Couche-Tard, a global leader in convenience and mobility operating in 31 countries and territories, with more than 16,700 stores, of which approximately 13,100 offering road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Poland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China and has recently expanded to Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. More than 149,000 people are employed throughout its network.