Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (“Firebirds”), the award-winning, polished-casual American restaurant and steakhouse, today announced that restaurant industry veteran Jeff Uttz has been named the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 18, 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Uttz to the Firebirds family,” said Steve Kislow, Chief Executive Officer of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. “His extensive experience guiding high-growth restaurant companies through critical expansion phases, combined with his deep expertise in cross-functional collaboration, makes him the perfect addition to our executive team. As we continue to strengthen our leadership position in the polished casual dining segment, Jeff’s strategic vision and proven ability to develop and lead high performing finance organizations will be invaluable. We look forward to his contributions as we write the next chapter of growth for Firebirds.”
Mr. Uttz brings an exceptional track record of financial leadership across some of the industry’s most respected brands. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Kura Sushi, a technology-enabled revolving sushi concept, where he successfully improved corporate profitability through G&A savings and technology-driven efficiencies that support the Company’s growth trajectory and was instrumental in leading two successful public follow-on offerings. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Shake Shack Inc., where he played a critical role in executing the company’s initial public offering, developing the finance organization and supporting crossfunctional efforts to open 45 new restaurants. Additionally, Mr. Uttz served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Yard House USA, Inc., an American sports bar chain, where he established the company’s finance infrastructure, actively supported all real estate transactions, and facilitated the successful acquisition of Yard House by Darden Restaurants, Inc. He has also held financial leadership positions at CKE Restaurants Inc. and began his career at the public accounting firm KPMG, LLP.
“Over the last two decades, Firebirds has built a truly unique guest experience, bringing people together over their signature open wood-fired grills to enjoy delicious hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, other wood-fired favorites, and the award-winning FIREBAR. Coupled with an elevated level of hospitality typically reserved for fine dining concepts, the Firebirds difference is unmistakable,” said Mr. Uttz. “I’ve had the privilege of working with several exceptional restaurant concepts during pivotal phases of expansion, and I see that same tremendous opportunity here at Firebirds. I look forward to partnering with Steve and the entire leadership team to build upon the strong foundation they’ve created and help ignite the clear potential ahead to drive long-term, sustainable growth.”
The appointment comes as Firebirds continues to strategically grow its brand across the United States. In addition to its current system footprint of nearly 70 restaurants, the Company plans to open seven new locations in 2026, which includes its anticipated entrance into the Lexington, Kentucky market – its first restaurant in the state.
