Top Executives at BJ's Restaurants, Shake Shack, Bonchon, and Other Food Chains Adjust Their Positions
Edible Brands Appoints Matthew Walls as President and Chief Stores Officer
Edible Brands, the parent company of popular brands such as Edible Arrangements, Roti Modern Mediterranean, and edibles.com, has announced a significant leadership change. Matthew Walls has been named as the new President and Chief Stores Officer, effective immediately.
Walls brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held executive positions at Domino's, CKE Restaurants, and Caribou Coffee. His appointment is part of a broader trend in the restaurant industry, where companies are focusing on growth, operational efficiency, and talent development in a highly competitive market.
Meanwhile, BJ's Restaurants has also made some changes in its executive ranks. Ahmad M. Wardak has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 29, 2025. William J. Atkins has been appointed as the interim Principal Financial Officer, replacing the outgoing CFO, Thomas A. Houdek, who resigned in June. Atkins, a partner at FLG Partners, brings extensive CFO experience from various sectors to his new role.
Shake Shack has also appointed Jamie Griffin as its new Chief People Officer. Griffin, who founded the strategic advisory firm Consult to Grow, has two decades of experience helping restaurants scale. She reports directly to CEO Rob Lynch.
Bonchon, the Korean fried chicken chain, has expanded its development team. David Wheeler has been appointed as Vice President of Development, while Michel Haddad has been named as Director of Design and Construction. Both Wheeler and Haddad have leadership experience in notable chains such as Popeyes, Arby’s, and Applebee’s.
Elsewhere, Beans & Brews Coffee House has made some personnel changes. Rachel Day and Carrie Cohen have been hired as Senior Manager of Social Media and Senior Manager of Digital Marketing, respectively. Becca McIntyre has been appointed as Vice President of Supply Chain and Culinary.
In Cincinnati, Metropole on Walnut has named Corey Cova as its Executive Chef. Cova, a Navy veteran and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has worked in high-end New York kitchens, including Momofuku Ssam Bar, Morimoto, and Earl's Beer & Cheese. In California, Cova launched Porkchop Slims.
These changes reflect the ongoing adjustments in leadership as companies strive to adapt and thrive in the dynamic restaurant industry.
Walls' appointment as President and Chief Stores Officer at Edible Brands signifies a shift in focus towards careers and business growth within the food-and-drink sector. In a competitive market, the company aims to improve operations and tap into his extensive background from Domino's, CKE Restaurants, and Caribou Coffee.
Meanwhile, the restaurant industry's emphasis on talent development is highlighted by Shake Shack's hiring of Jamie Griffin as Chief People Officer, a recruiting move intended to help its expansion in careers and lifestyle industries.
