Jim Fris, chief executive officer of PJW Restaurant Group, announced the promotions of Jessica Breslow to Vice President, Marketing & Technology, Chris Webb to Vice President of Design & Development, and Jake Karley to Director of Purchasing & Planning. The announcement comes as the restaurant group celebrates its 35th year of success and on the heels of its newest concept opening, Central Taco and Tequila.
Under her three-year tenure as Director of Marketing & Technology, Breslow led a branding refresh for PJW Restaurant Group, new menu designs for existing concepts, and brand development for Central Taco and Tequila. She implemented comprehensive social and digital marketing protocols, enhanced customer experience with upgraded Wi-Fi in all stores, and negotiated a partnership with the Philadelphia Union and Philadelphia Phillies, expanding the restaurant group’s presence in regional arenas. Breslow’s successes have led to an overall increase in brand recognition for the group and its concepts and streamlined front and back of the house data integration. In her expanded role, she will continue to implement strategic initiatives to grow the organization’s marketing and technology efforts.
A 26-year veteran of the PJW Restaurant Group and a board member of the Brandywine Chapter of Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, Webb is no stranger to rising through the ranks. His strong work ethic and passion for the hospitality business have made him instrumental in opening several concepts for the restaurant group including The ChopHouse in Gibbsboro, NJ, The Pour House in Exton, PA, multiple P.J. Whelihan’s throughout PA, and Central Taco and Tequila in Westmont, NJ. His shift from Operations to Vice President of Design & Development will include overseeing 23 restaurants and corporate properties, new restaurant design and construction, renovation of existing properties, and new site searches. Over the next several months, Webb will focus on opening a new concept, The ChopHouse Grille, in Exton, PA. as well as P.J. Whelihan’s in Horsham, PA.
Over the last two and half decades, Jake Karley has held almost every position within the organization and risen through the ranks, gaining a keen understanding of both operational efficiency and the front-of-house customer experience along the way. In his new position as Director of Purchasing & Planning, Karley will focus on controlling costs on both the food and beverage side, strengthening vendor relations and ensuring every restaurant adheres to the same quality standards across all PJW Restaurant Group locations. In his previous role as Special Projects and Beverage Director, Karley implemented a strong craft beer program across the P.J. Whelihan’s concept and has worked with regional craft brewers to develop signature beers for P.J. Whelihan’s and The Pour House concepts including the annual release of P.J.’s the Elf, The Pour House IPA, and Hoppy White Ale. This new strategic role positions the restaurant group for future scalable growth by establishing centralized purchasing parameters and creating synergies across concepts.
“Our team is strong and dedicated, and I am quite proud of all we accomplish company-wide on a daily basis,” says Fris. “Jessica, Chris, and Jake’s ability to be strategic thinkers and planners while continuing to provide motivation and inspiration to our PJW team members so they can flourish and succeed impresses me daily. This recognition is well deserved.”
