Ascent Hospitality Management names Paul Damico as CEO to lead next growth phase

GLOBAL – Ascent Hospitality Management has appointed Paul Damico as CEO effective immediately, the company announced in a recent press release.

Damico succeeds Jim O’Reilly, who served as CEO since June 2023. With over 40 years of extensive experience in the restaurant industry, Damico brings deep expertise in overseeing multi-brand operations.

Damico has previously held CEO roles at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Global Franchise Group, and Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill.

He also held senior leadership positions at Focus Brands (now GoTo Foods) and currently serves on the board of Blaze Pizza.

His track record includes driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction, and improving profitability across multiple well-known brands.

In his new role, Damico will lead Ascent’s next stage of growth and modernization. He plans to explore acquiring additional restaurant brands that align with Ascent’s portfolio, growth strategy, vision, and values.

The company oversees nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with sister brands Huddle House and Perkins showing signs of expansion.

Under outgoing CEO Jim O’Reilly, Ascent rebranded Perkins as Perkins American Food Company and launched Griddle & Go, a fast-casual spinoff with a strong pipeline for future openings.

Huddle House is pursuing aggressive growth through drive-thrus and non-traditional locations, recently signing one of its largest franchising deals with a 20-store agreement in Texas.

CEO Paul Damico said, “Hospitality is in my DNA, and I am energized by the opportunity to work with franchisees and the Ascent team. Our focus is on driving growth and innovation while ensuring guests remain the priority.”

Supporting Damico’s vision is a new slate of executives including Brian Wallunas, Chief Technology Officer, leading digital transformation efforts, and Blain Shortreed, promoted to COO.

Damico’s leadership is poised to continue the momentum and bring fresh perspectives to scale Ascent’s brands successfully.

Ascent Hospitality Management has made significant leadership additions alongside Paul Damico’s CEO appointment. Brian Wallunas joined as Chief Technology Officer in June 2025, spearheading digital transformation and modernization efforts.

Blain Shortreed was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive franchise and operational expertise. Shortreed’s leadership focuses on growth, operational excellence, and franchisee success across Huddle House and Perkins, driving strategic initiatives to expand locations and improve guest experiences.

These key appointments demonstrate Ascent’s commitment to innovation and scaling its family dining brands in competitive markets.

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