Pappas Restaurants Executive and Leadership Team

Ernest Pekmezaris, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Pappas Restaurants, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire restaurant group. Overseeing financial reporting, tax compliance, and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures the long-term solvency of the business. Ernest Pekmezaris directs the budgeting process for new restaurant openings and capital improvements, balancing growth objectives with prudent risk management. By analyzing revenue streams from diverse cuisines like Bar-B-Q and Tex-Mex, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer identifies opportunities for margin expansion and cost reduction. This leadership role involves frequent interaction with the board to present financial performance data and strategic investment recommendations. Through rigorous oversight of cash flow and debt management, Pekmezaris maintains the financial stability required for sustained market presence. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer supports the overall mission by providing the economic framework necessary for operational success.

Harris Pappas, the Chief Operating Officer at Pappas Restaurants, directs all daily operational workflows across the extensive portfolio of dining establishments. Overseeing the seamless integration of kitchen protocols and front-of-house service standards, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent guest experiences throughout the national footprint. Harris Pappas manages supply chain logistics for high-volume seafood and steakhouse locations, optimizing inventory turnover to maintain peak ingredient freshness. By coordinating with regional managers, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in labor scheduling and facility maintenance. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of performance metrics to uphold the reputation of the brand. Through strategic oversight of restaurant floor operations, Pappas secures operational excellence and supports the long-term profitability of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer remains focused on scaling service models to meet evolving consumer demands in the competitive hospitality sector.

Jennifer Dean-Inman, the Borough Council President at Pappas Restaurants, directs external relations and municipal engagement strategies that impact the company's regional footprint. Overseeing interactions with local government bodies and community stakeholders, the Borough Council President ensures the organization maintains positive standing within the jurisdictions where restaurants operate. Jennifer Dean-Inman navigates complex regulatory environments and zoning requirements to facilitate smooth business operations and expansion efforts. By advocating for policies that support the hospitality industry, the Borough Council President creates a favorable climate for growth and development. This role involves coordinating with legal and operations teams to address community concerns and ensure compliance with local ordinances. Through proactive engagement with public officials, Dean-Inman secures the necessary support for long-term operational stability. The Borough Council President drives the company's public affairs agenda, ensuring that the interests of the business remain aligned with the broader needs of the communities served.

Tom Giordano, the Chief Information Officer at Pappas Restaurants, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all restaurant technology systems. Managing the cybersecurity framework and point-of-sale networks, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive data across the entire enterprise. Tom Giordano implements advanced analytics platforms to track customer preferences and dining trends, providing actionable insights for executive decision-making. By modernizing internal communication tools and inventory tracking software, the Chief Information Officer streamlines administrative processes for staff members. This role involves close collaboration with the finance department to ensure technology investments align with budgetary goals. Through the deployment of robust cloud-based solutions, Giordano enhances the connectivity between corporate headquarters and individual restaurant locations. The Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that improve operational speed and accuracy, ultimately strengthening the technological foundation of the company.

Leslie Dragna, the Chief Administrative Officer at Pappas Restaurants, governs the internal organizational structures and human resources policies that support the workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee training programs, and corporate compliance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures alignment with labor regulations across all regional operations. Leslie Dragna architects the administrative workflows that facilitate communication between corporate departments and restaurant management teams. By standardizing internal procedures, the Chief Administrative Officer improves organizational efficiency and supports a culture of professional development. This role involves managing legal documentation and corporate governance tasks to mitigate operational risks. Through the implementation of comprehensive employee engagement strategies, Dragna fosters a productive work environment that reflects the values of the company. The Chief Administrative Officer drives initiatives that streamline administrative overhead, allowing the organization to focus resources on delivering high-quality dining experiences to customers.