Shula’s Restaurant Group announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and new Executive Corporate Culinary Director. 

Hospitality pros Cody Plott and Jeremy Shelton have accepted important executive roles within the leadership team of Shula’s Restaurant Group. CEO Cody Plott will lead the brand into a new era of signature superb hospitality service and dedication to the communities served by the all-American brand. In that same spirit, Shelton will continue the great culinary legacy the restaurant group has solidified within the hospitality industry through his newly appointed position as Executive Corporate Culinary Director. 

Plott’s top senior administration role will extend far beyond operations and administrative duties. He will ensure that the group continues to create successful concepts consisting of the best service, products, culture, and ambiance, with superb operational standards that are in alignment with Shula’s brand integrity and dedication to quality. 

In this leadership position, Plott will also be responsible for ensuring that visionary team training is upheld at all Shula’s properties while keeping customer satisfaction at the core of operational excellence. Plott’s noteworthy career trajectory spanning over four decades includes a successful 22-year tenure at Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Chicago, where he led as Vice President of Sales and Regional Vice President, among other positions, before heading to California to take on executive titles  at Airport Group International and expansive real estate brokerage firm Colliers Seeley.

In 2002, Plott went on to a highly-coveted role as President and Chief Operating Officer of Pebble Beach Resorts, one of the most prestigious hospitality groups in the country. There he led a team of 1,600 employees and 285 managers, and transformed the organization to eventually yield over $75 million in revenue by continually adding value to the property through conceptualized guest/group experiences and activities, the launch of a new Golf Academy and ClubPro program, and the introduction of a substantial digital marketing plan. Plott also holds the distinct honor of being one of the longest-termed California commissioners (2007-2019), where he played a key role in the execution of a global marketing plan to attract more tourists to the State. 

“I’m thrilled to join such a legendary organization at such an exciting time,” says Plott. “It’s a pleasure and privilege to be taking the helm of such a beloved organization as we charge forward into a new era filled with exciting announcements and new developments while continuing to serve our loyal clientele.”

Shelton is poised to elevate the already-stellar offerings at all Shula-branded dining establishments. His role will include upholding and extending the company’s vision and maintaining the inspiring company culture with which Shula’s is synonymous. 

Shelton will also work with leadership to strategize on new business opportunities, approve a creative vision for research and development with existing and new projects, attend prospective site development meetings, strategize on new business opportunities, create and manage relationships with franchisees, enhance community relations through charitable contributions, and act as a company spokesperson at events, as well as with media and public.  

The Johnson & Wales University graduate is a culinary master in his own right, having been trained by some of the industry’s most reputable names, including Clay Conley (Buccan, Imoto at Buccan, Grato), Mike Pirolo (Macchialina) and Michelle Bernstein (Sweet Liberty, Cafe La Trova, Michelle Bernstein Catering).

Shelton’s vast and impressive hospitality experience includes stints at Azul (formerly at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami), Bourbon Steak at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, and Buccan in Palm Beach. 

“I couldn’t be happier about my new role here,” says Shelton. “To have the opportunity to continue to refine and elevate menus across Shula’s culinary concepts is a dream come true.”

Established in 1989, Shula’s Restaurant Group began with the legacy of Coach Don Shula. The goal was to build a reputation to match the standards set by one of the greatest and most celebrated coaches in NFL history.  The company has since taken this goal to new heights, launching a range of restaurants and social venues under the Shula name, and carving out an entirely original legacy in hospitality. 

With more than 20 locations throughout six states within the U.S., the family-oriented restaurant brand is committed to delivering consistently high quality, chef-driven cuisine paired with award-winning wine lists and craft cocktails served by attentive and expert staff—an ethos that has been upheld for over three decades. 

That commitment to excellence is what keeps raving fans coming back for more, time and time again.