Leading Executives in Diners

Kelli Valade

President & Chief Executive Officer, Denny’s

President & CEO since June 2022; steered the brand through a portfolio expansion by acquiring Keke’s Breakfast Café and continues to drive brand modernization and franchise performance.

John Peyton

Chief Executive Officer, Dine Brands (parent of IHOP)

Hospitality veteran leading one of the largest full‑service restaurant companies; in February 2025 he also served as interim Applebee’s president while continuing as CEO, underscoring hands‑on brand leadership across the portfolio.

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Lawrence Kim

President, IHOP

Took the helm as IHOP President on January 6, 2025 after a planned transition; known for innovation leadership at Yum! Brands and tasked with driving menu, digital and operational growth for 1,800+ restaurants.

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Joe Rogers III

Chief Executive Officer, Waffle House

Third‑generation leader who announced a multiyear base‑pay increase for tipped workers in 2024; succeeded the late Walt Ehmer in guiding the iconic 24/7 diner chain.

James O’Reilly

Chief Executive Officer, Ascent Hospitality Management (Perkins & Huddle House)

Growth‑oriented leader of Perkins and Huddle House who closed 2024 with record development momentum and is expanding new restaurant models across North America.

Blain Shortreed

Brand President, Huddle House (Ascent Hospitality)

Brand president since December 2023; longtime operator (ex‑CEO of Long John Silver’s) now overseeing operations, franchise performance, marketing and culinary at the classic all‑day‑breakfast chain.

Anita Adams

Chief Executive Officer, Black Bear Diner

CEO credited with accelerating expansion (particularly in Texas and the Midwest) and strengthening franchise performance while preserving the brand’s ‘bear‑sized’ hospitality.

Bruce Dean

Executive Chairman & Co‑founder, Black Bear Diner

Co‑founder who serves as Executive Chairman; operational visionary behind the signature ‘bear‑sized’ portions and menu economics that helped establish the chain as a family‑dining power player.

Mark Politzer

President & Chief Executive Officer, NORMS Restaurants

Named president & CEO in February 2025; leading the 75‑year‑old SoCal diner brand’s next growth chapter, including expansion in Nevada and plans for Texas and Arizona.

Colton Weiss

Co‑owner & Partner, Mel’s Drive‑In

Third‑generation co‑owner helping take the San Francisco classic national, opening Mel’s first out‑of‑state location in Nashville in 2025 while keeping the brand’s Americana DNA intact.

Robert (Bob) Giaimo

Co‑founder & Chief Executive Officer, Silver Diner / Silver Brands

Co‑founder and CEO who ‘reinvented the American diner’ in the Mid‑Atlantic with chef‑driven, better‑for‑you menus and multiple growth concepts (Silver Diner, Silver Brasserie and Silver Social).

Glenn D’Amore

President, Silver Diner / Silver Brands

28‑year company veteran promoted to president in December 2023; leads day‑to‑day execution and growth across Silver Brands’ 20+ locations.

Chris Tomasso

Chief Executive Officer & President, First Watch

Daytime‑dining chief who has scaled the breakfast‑brunch leader and earned IFMA’s 2024 Gold Plate ‘Operator of the Year’ award for industry excellence.

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Julie Felss Masino

President & Chief Executive Officer, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Former Taco Bell executive who became Cracker Barrel CEO on November 1, 2023 and is leading brand revitalization and guest‑experience initiatives across 650+ stores.

David Birzon

Chief Executive Officer, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

CEO of the fast‑growing breakfast chain known for culture‑forward people programs (e.g., 2024 ‘Golden Ticket’ GM/chef awards) and a playful, innovation‑led menu.

Ronald (Ron) Highet

President, The Original Pancake House

Second‑generation leader and long‑time president safeguarding the 1953 Portland‑born breakfast institution’s recipes, standards and franchising.

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Saed Mohseni

Executive Chairman, Bob Evans Restaurants

Veteran restaurant executive who now serves as Executive Chairman (and previously CEO) guiding strategy for the classic Midwest family‑dining chain.

Dawn Petite

Brand President, Friendly’s Restaurants (BRIX Holdings)

Friendly’s lifer elevated to Brand President in 2022; leads menu innovation and guest‑experience refreshes for the 90‑year‑old East Coast diner‑and‑ice‑cream favorite.

Sherif Mityas

Chief Executive Officer, BRIX Holdings (parent of Friendly’s)

Portfolio CEO steering Friendly’s and other brands; remained CEO after a July 2025 ownership change and is focused on technology, franchising and brand expansion.

David Schmidt

President, Keke’s Breakfast Café (a Denny’s brand)

Brand president since 2022; leading a national expansion push with refreshed design and bar program as Keke’s grows beyond Florida into new U.S. markets.