SPB Hospitality, the owner of Logan’s Roadhouse and Krystal, announced Monday that restaurant veteran GJ Hart will take over as CEO and chairman.
He will replace Josh Kern, who is taking another role in the restaurant industry. Kern served as chief executive for three years, some of it spent with an interim tag. He will remain with the company through mid-October.
Under his guidance, SPB underwent a few key transactions. The company sold Old Chicago and its brewery concepts (Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Ragtime Tavern, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery) and purchased chef Jose Garces’ brands, Amada and Village Whiskey. SPB also brought Krystal into its portfolio back in 2023.
In addition to Logan’s Roadhouse, Krystal, Amada, and Village Whiskey, SPB operates J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill. The company’s locations are spread across 25 states.
Hart comes in with decades of experience. He previously served as CEO of Red Robin, Torchy’s Tacos, California Pizza Kitchen, and Texas Roadhouse. The executive also serves as an operating partner for Fortress Investment Group, the owner of SPB.
In his most recent role at Red Robin, Hart was responsible for the brand’s North Star turnaround plan, which involved introducing new restaurant equipment, cutting wait times, enhancing most of the menu, and rebuilding restaurant teams.
“I am honored to join SPB Hospitality at such an important time,” Hart said in a statement. “This is a company with a diverse and iconic portfolio of brands, a talented team, and a strong foundation. I look forward to working closely with the board, leadership team, and operators to build on the momentum already in place and lead SPB into its next chapter.”
Morgan McClure, managing director at Fortress and an SPB board member, described Hart as a “proven leader with a deep understanding of the restaurant business.”
“His experience and reputation will be important as we continue our work to position SPB Hospitality for continued growth,” McClure said in a statement. “We are grateful to Josh for his leadership over the past several years and wish him the very best as he takes on his next opportunity in the industry.”
