Leadership Overview
Thrive Restaurant Group has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, market development, emerging brands, brand management, and corporate leadership.
Focused on community impact and operational excellence, Thrive Restaurant Group delivers diverse dining experiences across 18 states while maintaining a 45-year legacy of service and growth.
Focused on community impact and operational excellence, Thrive Restaurant Group delivers diverse dining experiences across 18 states while maintaining a 45-year legacy of service and growth.
Leadership Roles at Thrive Restaurant Group
Jon Rolph - Chief Executive Officer
Jon Rolph, the Chief Executive Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for over 200 restaurant locations. This leadership role involves managing the long-term growth trajectory across diverse brands like Applebee's and Qdoba. By fostering a culture of community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all 8,000 employees align with the core mission of positive social impact. Rolph oversees the integration of new dining concepts while maintaining the operational standards established over the last 45 years. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer identifies expansion opportunities within the US hospitality sector. Jon Rolph maintains direct oversight of the executive team to ensure consistent performance across all regional operations. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the financial and cultural success of the entire organization, securing a sustainable future for the company and the communities served.
Michael Derr - Chief Financial Officer
Michael Derr, the Chief Financial Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. This role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term investment planning to support the growth of over 200 restaurant locations. By analyzing revenue streams from brands like Modern Market Eatery, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a strong balance sheet. Derr coordinates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new market entries and brand acquisitions. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic indicators to mitigate risks associated with the hospitality industry. Michael Derr drives the development of financial models that optimize resource distribution across the 18-state operational network. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's commitment to community engagement and employee development. Derr secures the necessary capital to sustain the long-term legacy of the organization.
Joe Williams - Chief Operating Officer
Joe Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, manages the daily execution of restaurant operations across 18 states. This role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and labor efficiency to support the 8,000-person workforce. By implementing standardized service protocols, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location maintains the high quality expected by customers. Williams monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement and cost reduction. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional managers to address challenges in the fast-paced hospitality environment. Joe Williams drives the implementation of new technology to streamline kitchen workflows and enhance guest satisfaction. Through rigorous oversight of daily activities, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity of the diverse brand portfolio. Williams ensures that all internal processes support the broader corporate goal of delivering exceptional dining experiences while maximizing profitability across the entire national footprint.
Brian Schaetzle - Market President
Brian Schaetzle, the Market President at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs regional growth initiatives and local market penetration strategies. This role involves overseeing the performance of restaurant clusters to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. By fostering relationships with local community leaders, the Market President enhances the brand presence in key geographic areas. Schaetzle monitors competitive dynamics to adjust local marketing and operational tactics effectively. The Market President coordinates with the executive team to implement national programs at the regional level. Brian Schaetzle drives the expansion of the company's footprint by identifying high-potential locations for new restaurant development. Through consistent engagement with regional staff, the Market President ensures that service standards remain high across all assigned territories. Schaetzle manages the operational scale of the regional portfolio, contributing directly to the overall success of the company's diverse dining brands and long-term market impact.
Robin Robison - President, Emerging Brands
Robin Robison, the President, Emerging Brands at Thrive Restaurant Group, architects the growth and development of new and niche dining concepts within the portfolio. This role involves identifying market gaps and scaling innovative brands like Modern Market Eatery to reach a broader audience. By testing new service models, the President, Emerging Brands ensures the company remains at the forefront of culinary trends. Robison coordinates with product development teams to refine menu offerings and operational workflows for these newer ventures. The President, Emerging Brands monitors the performance of these concepts to determine viability for wider expansion. Robin Robison drives the strategic integration of emerging brands into the existing corporate structure. Through careful market analysis, the President, Emerging Brands identifies opportunities to diversify the company's offerings. Robison ensures that these brands reflect the core mission of community impact while contributing to the overall revenue growth of the organization.
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, directs the brand-specific strategies for these established dining chains. This role involves overseeing the operational performance and marketing initiatives for these high-volume brands across the national network. By ensuring consistent brand messaging, the President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba maintains customer loyalty and market share. Coffey coordinates with brand managers to optimize menu engineering and service delivery. The President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba monitors guest feedback to drive continuous improvement in the dining experience. Michael Coffey drives the implementation of corporate initiatives within these specific brands to ensure alignment with the broader company mission. Through rigorous oversight of these key assets, the President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba supports the company's long-term financial stability and reputation for excellence in the hospitality sector.
Gregory Stroud - President
Gregory Stroud, the President at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the overarching organizational structure and internal business processes. This role involves overseeing cross-functional collaboration to ensure that all departments work in harmony toward corporate goals. By streamlining internal communications, the President enhances the efficiency of the 8,000-person workforce. Stroud coordinates with other C-suite leaders to translate high-level strategy into actionable operational plans. The President monitors organizational health and employee engagement to support the company's commitment to its staff. Gregory Stroud drives the development of leadership talent within the organization to ensure a strong pipeline for future growth. Through active management of corporate resources, the President ensures that the company maintains its competitive edge in the hospitality industry. Stroud focuses on the long-term sustainability of the business model, ensuring that all operational activities align with the core mission of serving communities and customers effectively.
Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitality
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois. The company operates a group of wineries and restaurants across the United States.
Company Leadership

TK
JN
GoTo Foods is a U.S.-based multi-brand restaurant franchisor headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company operates and franchises a portfolio of quick-service and fast-casual restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's, with thousands of locations across the United States and internationally.
Company Leadership
DM

FW
Here at Merivale, Sydney's premier hospitality company we pride ourselves on the calibre and the integrity of our staff and continually strengthen our teams with enthusiastic, motivated individuals. Merivale has developed a mantra 'life less ordinary' and this is exemplified in all Merivale's properties, activities and service culture.
Company Leadership
JF
GG

Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q is a full-service restaurant chain specializing in hickory smoked barbecue and Southern-inspired cuisine. Founded in 1985 by father and son Jim and Nick Pihakis, the company began in a converted pizza parlor on Clairmont Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. Headquartered in Alabaster, Alabama, Jim 'N Nick's has grown into a Southern institution with over 41 restaurants across seven states. The company specializes in authentic barbecued and smoked meat offerings including pulled pork, beef brisket, hot links, chicken, and turkey, which can be paired with a variety of barbecue sauces. Jim 'N Nick's operates made-from-scratch, fresh daily kitchens and proudly maintains a no-freezer policy across all locations, ensuring all food is prepared fresh. The restaurants offer multiple service channels including dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering services. Local owners are taught traditional recipes and techniques, which they pass on to cooks and pitmasters in each location, maintaining consistency while honoring Southern barbecue traditions. The company emphasizes community involvement and Southern hospitality, with a commitment to supporting local organizations and providing friendly service that reflects care for both staff and guests. Jim 'N Nick's also operates an online store retailing sauces, spice blends, and branded merchandise. The company is backed by Roark Capital Group and continues to pursue expansion while maintaining its focus on authentic Southern barbecue, scratch-made food, and over-the-top hospitality rooted in tradition.
Company Leadership JG
RS