The chief executive of BJ’s Restaurants Inc., Greg Levin, is departing his role after 19 years with the company, effective immediately.
BJ’s (Nasdaq: BJRI) current Board Director C. Bradford Richmond has been appointed interim CEO for now. Richmond’s career includes over 20 years with Darden Restaurants Inc., ending his tenure as chief financial officer, and various finance positions at Red Lobster and Olive Garden.
“My experience as a Board Member has solidified my belief that we have tremendous potential to drive greater awareness of the BJ’s brand and continue its trajectory as a restaurant growth company,” Richmond, who has been on the board since Feb. 2024, said in a statement.
“In partnership with BJ’s leadership and field restaurant management teams, we expect Brad to guide the Company toward sustainable comparable sales, new unit restaurant growth and long-term shareholder value creation,” BJ’s Board Chair Lea Anne S. Ottinger added.
Levin steps down after starting at BJ’s in 2005 as CFO then moving up to CEO in 2021.
“He has played an essential role in strengthening our foundation and scaling the Company to 217 restaurants in 31 states, as well as stabilizing and rebuilding our business during these past few tumultuous years in our industry,” Ottinger said.
Shares dropped less than 1% during after-hours trading with a market cap of $740 million. BJ’s is Orange County’s fourth largest restaurant chain by systemwide sales, according to Business Journal research.
