Southern California’s iconic diner chain NORMS Restaurants announced the appointment of Eric Wyatt as president and chief executive officer. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, operations and management, Wyatt brings knowledge from his previous positions at notable companies, including Starbucks, Yum! Brands and Panera Bread to NORMS.
Since opening its doors in 1949, NORMS has become a cult-classic establishment that’s nationally recognized and locally beloved, with deep roots in each community it serves. As the chain’s president and CEO, Wyatt is committed to preserving NORMS’ 73-year legacy as a familiar space offering “great food, great service, and great value.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join the team of an iconic brand like NORMS Restaurants,” Wyatt says. “While the company’s legacy has been deeply rooted in Southern California for the last 70+ years, I am eager to the kickoff the next phase of NORMS’ growth and development by expanding within Southern California and new markets, broadening our consumer appeal to reach new audiences, and more.”
As one of the first steps on Wyatt’s growth ladder, he and the NORMS team will be opening two new Southern California locations in Ontario and Hollywood this spring, bringing the total number of NORMS restaurants to 23. Wyatt is also finalizing plans for expansion further than Southern California in 2024.
Beyond growth, Wyatt aims to introduce new initiatives that will elevate the NORMS team’s engagement, personal development, and training to improve the overall guest experience while retaining highly tenured teams. He will also be introducing further menu innovation, promotions, and limited-time offerings at approachable price points, as well as advanced technology that will bring a fresh perspective to the company’s longstanding values and fundamentals. Additional details, such as revitalized vibrant aesthetics in the restaurants and new uniforms for team members, are expected in the coming months.
Hailing most recently from CKE and Hardee’s restaurants where he served as SVP of Operations, Wyatt is a seasoned industry veteran with broad experience in the hospitality space. Over the course of his career, Wyatt has spent time in senior operations roles at Panera Bread, Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe’s, L. Brands, Starbucks, Yum! Brands, and Mobil Oil Corporation, focusing heavily on developing great teams, operational excellence, brand building, and profitable growth in new markets.
