SPB Hospitality appoints G.J. Hart as Chairman, CEO amid strategic focus on core casual dining brands

NORTH AMERICA – SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group, has appointed G.J. Hart as chairman and chief executive officer, effective immediately, the company announced in a press release on September 29.

Hart succeeds Josh Kern, who is resigning to pursue another executive role in the restaurant industry but will remain through mid-October.

Hart is an operating partner at Fortress and will continue to lead his consulting firm, Hart to Hart Global Advisors.

Hart brings extensive leadership experience from his previous role as CEO of Red Robin and has held executive positions in several notable restaurant groups.

His expertise in casual dining and multi-brand management is expected to guide SPB through its strategic transition.

The CEO change follows SPB Hospitality’s recent portfolio refinement. Earlier in 2025, the company divested Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom in July and sold brewery and specialty concepts in December.

These moves sharpen its focus on core casual dining brands, including Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, and J. Alexander’s.

SPB Hospitality’s casual dining portfolio spans iconic brands recognized for their strong consumer loyalty. Krystal, known for its quick-service sliders, currently operates nearly 300 locations and is targeting further expansion.

Logan’s Roadhouse is undergoing a major turnaround and expansion, focusing on new markets where its competitors have less dominance. J. Alexander’s is a polished casual dining concept known for its upscale menu and customer experience.

Additionally, SPB includes chef-driven upscale dining brands such as Garces Group’s Amada and Village Whiskey, expanding the company’s reach into diverse dining segments.

This multi-brand strategy allows SPB to leverage operational efficiencies while maintaining unique brand identities.

Board member Morgan McClure praised Hart’s appointment, noting his track record for leading growth in casual dining and his deep industry knowledge. McClure emphasized SPB’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving long-term shareholder value.

Hart expressed enthusiasm about joining SPB Hospitality, citing the company’s strong foundation and promising growth potential. He looks forward to working closely with stakeholders to build on recent momentum and deliver sustained success.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.