Thrive Restaurant Group Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thrive Restaurant Group has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, brand management, and market expansion.

Driven by a legacy of over 45 years, Thrive Restaurant Group is dedicated to making a positive impact on customers and communities through its diverse dining brands and commitment to career development.

Leadership Roles at Thrive Restaurant Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jon Rolph
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Derr
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joe Williams
  • President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba - Michael Coffey
  • Market President - Brian Schaetzle
  • President, Emerging Brands - Robin Robison
  • President - Gregory Stroud
  • Jon Rolph - Chief Executive Officer

    Jon Rolph, the Chief Executive Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy and vision. Rolph guides the company's expansion across 18 states, overseeing more than 200 restaurant locations and a workforce exceeding 8,000 individuals. This leadership role involves ensuring alignment with the company's 45-year legacy and its commitment to positive community impact. Jon Rolph drives the integration of diverse dining brands, including Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery, fostering a cohesive operational framework. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to cultivating career opportunities and maintaining the company's dedication to serving customers and communities effectively. This executive ensures the long-term financial health and strategic positioning of Thrive Restaurant Group within the competitive hospitality sector.

    Michael Derr - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Derr, the Chief Financial Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs all financial planning, analysis, and reporting for the company's extensive operations. Derr manages the fiscal health of over 200 restaurant locations across 18 states, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. This leadership position involves overseeing budgeting, capital allocation, and financial risk management for a workforce of more than 8,000 employees. Michael Derr provides critical financial insights to support strategic decisions regarding brand expansion and operational efficiency for entities like Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and drives initiatives to optimize revenue streams and control costs. Derr's expertise is fundamental to maintaining Thrive Restaurant Group's financial stability and supporting its mission of community engagement and customer service.
    Michael Derr

    Joe Williams - Chief Operating Officer

    Joe Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, executes the operational strategies that support over 200 restaurant locations across 18 states. Williams oversees the daily functions of the extensive network, ensuring efficient service delivery and adherence to brand standards for Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery. This role involves managing the operational integration of new acquisitions and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction across all sites. Joe Williams drives initiatives focused on workforce development for the more than 8,000 employees, promoting career growth within the organization. The Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless coordination between supply chain, restaurant management, and customer service operations, directly impacting the company's ability to serve communities effectively. Williams's leadership is critical for maintaining operational excellence and supporting Thrive Restaurant Group's mission.

    Michael Coffey - President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba

    Michael Coffey, the President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba at Thrive Restaurant Group, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for these key dining brands. Coffey manages the performance of numerous locations across 18 states, focusing on enhancing customer experience and driving brand growth. This executive role involves fostering innovation in menu development and service delivery to meet evolving consumer preferences. Michael Coffey collaborates with corporate leadership to ensure these brands align with Thrive Restaurant Group's broader mission of community impact and employee development for its substantial workforce. The President's responsibilities include optimizing operational efficiency, managing P&L for each brand, and driving market share within the competitive hospitality landscape. Coffey's leadership is vital for the continued success and expansion of these prominent dining establishments.

    Brian Schaetzle - Market President

    Brian Schaetzle, the Market President at Thrive Restaurant Group, oversees regional operational performance and strategic initiatives across designated markets within the United States. Schaetzle directs efforts to enhance brand presence and customer engagement for Thrive's diverse portfolio, including Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery, across multiple states. This leadership role involves driving sales growth, ensuring operational consistency, and fostering strong relationships with local communities. Brian Schaetzle plays a key part in implementing corporate strategies at the market level, focusing on optimizing resource allocation and team performance for the extensive employee base. The Market President is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on regional opportunities, ensuring each market contributes effectively to Thrive Restaurant Group's overall success and its commitment to service excellence.

    Robin Robison - President, Emerging Brands

    Robin Robison, the President, Emerging Brands at Thrive Restaurant Group, spearheads the development and growth of newer dining concepts within the company's portfolio. Robison focuses on identifying market trends and consumer needs to drive innovation and expansion for brands beyond the established Applebee's and Qdoba. This executive role involves strategic planning, operational scaling, and financial oversight for these developing ventures across various states. Robin Robison collaborates closely with corporate leadership to ensure emerging brands align with Thrive Restaurant Group's core mission and values, contributing to its long-term vision. The President, Emerging Brands is instrumental in cultivating a pipeline of successful new concepts, managing their integration into the broader operational framework and supporting the company's commitment to diverse career opportunities within its growing enterprise.

    Gregory Stroud - President

    Gregory Stroud, the President at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs strategic initiatives and operational excellence across key segments of the company's extensive restaurant network. Stroud oversees the performance and growth of multiple dining brands, ensuring alignment with Thrive's overarching mission of positive community impact and customer satisfaction. This leadership position involves driving operational efficiencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among the more than 8,000 employees. Gregory Stroud plays a crucial role in developing and executing strategies that enhance brand value and market presence across the 18 states where Thrive operates. The President is responsible for ensuring seamless integration of corporate objectives with on-the-ground execution, contributing significantly to the company's legacy of service and its commitment to providing diverse career pathways within the hospitality industry.
    Gregory Stroud

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thrive Restaurant Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thrive Restaurant Group?
    Thrive Restaurant Group is led by Jon Rolph (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michael Derr (Chief Financial Officer) and Joe Williams (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Thrive Restaurant Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thrive Restaurant Group includes leaders such as Jon Rolph (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Derr (Chief Financial Officer), Joe Williams (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thrive Restaurant Group have?
    Thrive Restaurant Group has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thrive Restaurant Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thrive Restaurant Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba, Market President.