Ascent Hospitality Management (“Ascent”), a multi-brand restaurant company with a portfolio of nearly 600 Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations, is proud to announce that James O’Reilly will become the company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday, June 19, 2023. O’Reilly replaces Michael Abt, who has served as Chief Executive since 2012.
O’Reilly will be responsible for leading a new phase of growth and development across Ascent’s celebrated brands, while continuing to build on the strong foundation of its high-performing franchise and company-operated restaurants. He will also lead the effort to identify additional brands to acquire as Ascent seeks to expand its portfolio.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead these two legendary, family-dining brands,” says James O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer, Ascent Hospitality Management. “We have significant opportunities ahead to grow and expand both restaurant brands and I look forward to working with our franchisees and the Ascent team to maximize our potential.”
Prior to joining Ascent, O’Reilly served as CEO of Smokey Bones since 2019 and previously led Long John Silver’s as its Chief Executive. He has also held senior leadership positions at Sonic and Yum! Brands domestically and internationally. O’Reilly began his career with Proctor & Gamble in Canada.
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