Thrive Restaurant Group Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to fostering positive impacts across communities and customer lives, Thrive Restaurant Group leverages over 45 years of industry evolution to drive diverse dining experiences and extensive career development opportunities.

Leadership Roles at Thrive Restaurant Group

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

    Jon Rolph, the Chief Executive Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational vision for over 200 restaurant locations across 18 states. This leadership role involves guiding the company's commitment to making a positive impact on customers and communities, a philosophy deeply embedded over its 45-year legacy. Rolph oversees the integration of diverse dining brands, including Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery, ensuring cohesive growth and brand integrity. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of community engagement and championing career development opportunities for the more than 8,000 employees. Strategic decisions under Jon Rolph's purview focus on sustainable expansion and maintaining the company's market leadership in the hospitality sector.

    Michael Derr - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Derr, the Chief Financial Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the expansive hospitality group. This executive function includes overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and capital allocation across more than 200 locations spanning 18 states. Derr's role is critical in ensuring the financial health and sustainable growth of the company, supporting its mission to positively impact customers and communities. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes market trends and economic conditions to inform investment decisions and optimize profitability for brands like Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery. Michael Derr's leadership ensures robust financial controls and drives efficiency throughout the organization, supporting the employment of over 8,000 individuals.
    Michael Derr

    Joe Williams - Chief Operating Officer

    Joe Williams, the Chief Operating Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the day-to-day operational execution across the company's extensive network of over 200 restaurant locations in 18 states. This leadership position involves optimizing operational efficiency, ensuring consistent brand standards, and driving service excellence throughout all dining concepts, including Applebee's, Qdoba, and Modern Market Eatery. Williams focuses on enhancing the customer experience and supporting the company's commitment to community engagement. The Chief Operating Officer oversees supply chain management, restaurant performance metrics, and the implementation of operational strategies designed to support the more than 8,000 employees. Joe Williams' operational oversight is fundamental to maintaining the company's legacy of quality and service.

    Brian Schaetzle - Market President

    Brian Schaetzle, the Market President at Thrive Restaurant Group, spearheads regional operational strategies and market penetration across key territories within the United States. This executive role focuses on driving performance and growth for the company's diverse portfolio of over 200 restaurant locations, ensuring alignment with the broader corporate mission. Schaetzle oversees market-specific initiatives, fostering strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders to enhance Thrive's positive impact. The Market President's responsibilities include managing regional P&Ls, optimizing sales performance, and ensuring consistent brand execution for brands such as Applebee's and Qdoba. Brian Schaetzle's leadership is vital for adapting corporate strategies to regional demands and supporting the extensive workforce of over 8,000 individuals.

    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 management for these prominent dining brands. This executive function involves driving brand growth, enhancing customer engagement, and ensuring operational excellence across all locations operating under these banners. Coffey focuses on optimizing the performance of each brand within the company's extensive portfolio, contributing to Thrive's legacy of over 45 years in the hospitality industry. The President's responsibilities include developing brand-specific strategies, overseeing marketing initiatives, and ensuring seamless integration with corporate objectives. Michael Coffey's leadership is key to maintaining market competitiveness and supporting the company's commitment to community impact and employee development.

    Gregory Stroud - President

    Gregory Stroud, the President at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs significant operational segments and strategic growth initiatives within the company's vast hospitality network. This leadership role involves overseeing key business units and ensuring their alignment with the overarching mission of positive community and customer impact. Stroud's focus includes driving operational efficiencies and enhancing the dining experience across the company's diverse brand portfolio, which spans over 200 locations. The President is instrumental in developing and executing strategies that support the company's long-term vision and market expansion. Gregory Stroud's executive guidance contributes to the sustained success and evolution of Thrive Restaurant Group, reinforcing its commitment to its employees and the communities it serves.
    Gregory Stroud

    Robin Robison - President, Emerging Brands

    Robin Robison, the President, Emerging Brands at Thrive Restaurant Group, spearheads the development and growth of new and evolving dining concepts within the company's portfolio. This executive role focuses on identifying market opportunities, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful launch and scaling of emerging brands. Robison's leadership is critical in diversifying Thrive's offerings and adapting to changing consumer preferences in the dynamic hospitality landscape. The President, Emerging Brands oversees strategic planning, operational setup, and market positioning for these ventures, contributing to the company's legacy of evolution and community engagement. Robin Robison's efforts are central to expanding Thrive Restaurant Group's reach and impact, supporting its mission to positively influence customers and communities.

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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, Market President, President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba.