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.

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.

SPB Hospitality Appoints Robert J. Fargo as Senior Vice President of Development

Seasoned real estate and construction executive to oversee national development pipeline for SPB’s growing portfolio of brands

HOUSTON (Aug. 14, 2025) – SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leading operator and franchisor of restaurant brands across the casual, upscale and quick-service dining segments, today announced the appointment of Robert “Bob” J. Fargo as Senior Vice President of Development.

A veteran of the restaurant, retail and entertainment industries with nearly three decades of experience, Fargo will lead all aspects of real estate, design, and con construction management for SPB Hospitality’s diverse portfolio, including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse. He will be responsible for managing SPB’s national development pipeline, steering multimillion-dollar projects from lease execution to grand opening, and ensuring budgets and schedules are maintained with precision.

“Bob’s track record in accelerating development timelines, optimizing budgets and delivering high-quality projects is unmatched,” said Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “He has been a steady, strategic force behind our growth, and his addition to the senior leadership team ensures development remains a core part of our forward-looking agenda. Bob’s expertise will be instrumental as we expand our footprint, strengthen our portfolio and continue building distinctive dining experiences that resonate with guests nationwide.”

Fargo first joined SPB Hospitality in 2023 as Vice President of Construction and Design. His prior leadership roles include Vice President of Development at Ideal Image, where he oversaw over 40 buildouts and led initiatives that reduced capital expenditures by 15%, and Chief Development Officer for Seven Restaurants, where he streamlined franchise expansion for a 60-unit Burger King portfolio in South Florida. At PDQ Restaurants, Fargo grew the brand from 18 to 56 locations across nine states, building its development department from the ground up.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for SPB Hospitality,” said Fargo. “We have an extraordinary lineup of brands with unique growth opportunities, and I look forward to building spaces that reflect their character, drive operational success and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”

Fargo’s career also includes development leadership positions with Bob Evans, JP Morgan Chase and McDonald’s, where he consistently drove results through strategic growth planning, process improvement and cross-functional collaboration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from California University and is based in Tampa, Florida.

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, or contact Tom Petska at thomas.petska@spbhospitality.com for franchising opportunities.

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.