Logan’s Roadhouse parent SPB Hospitality announced Monday that executive Josh Kern is now serving as interim CEO.
Kern is replacing Jim Mazany, who led the group for roughly two years. SPB did not give a reason for why Mazany stepped away from the business. In addition to this move, Jessica Hagler, a former J. Alexander’s executive, was appointed CFO.
Prior to this role, Kern served as president of concepts, overseeing marketing, culinary, beverage, supply chain, and information technology. Before joining SPB, he worked at Quiznos, American Blue-Ribbon Holdings, Smashburger, and Cerca Trova Restaurant Concepts.
“I’m honored to take the reins at such an exciting time for SPB Hospitality as we work together to build on our momentum,” Kern said in a statement. “In my 25 years in the restaurant industry, I’ve been fortunate to be part of many great brands, and I see that same greatness in the SPB Hospitality portfolio. I’m inspired by being on-site at our locations and talking with the people who create outstanding dining experiences for our guests each day. There is extraordinary potential in this collection of brands, and I’m proud to be a part of this exceptional team.”
SPB was formed in 2020 after Fortress Investment Group acquired Craftworks Holdings for $93 million out of bankruptcy. At one point, all 261 company-run stores shut down, and thousands of workers were laid off. However, under new leadership, restaurants have thrived. For instance, Logan’s saw 45 straight weeks above 2019 sales in 2021. The chain increased 35 percent compared to 2020 and 20 percent versus 2019. The balance sheet was in such great shape that SPB decided to purchase J. Alexander’s for $220 million in the back half of 2021.
Along with Logan’s, the multi-brand company owns Old Chicago, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, among several others.
“Josh has played in integral role in the growth and success of SPB Hospitality, so he was the obvious choice to serve in this new leadership role,” Morgan McClure, president of SPB Hospitality and managing director at Fortress Investment Group, said in a statement. “We have enormous confidence in both Josh and Jessica to lead these brands and build on the vision for our collection of restaurant brands and their thousands of team members across the country.”
