Thrive Restaurant Group Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thrive Restaurant Group has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, market operations, brand management, emerging brand development, and multi-brand portfolio leadership.

Focused on community impact and operational excellence, Thrive Restaurant Group delivers diverse dining experiences across 200 locations while fostering long-term growth through strategic brand expansion and dedicated service.

Leadership Roles at Thrive Restaurant Group

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

    Jon Rolph, the Chief Executive Officer at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Overseeing the integration of diverse dining brands like Applebee's and Qdoba, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the company's 45-year legacy of community engagement. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends across 18 states to maintain competitive positioning. By fostering a culture of service, Jon Rolph drives the professional development of over 8,000 employees. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to secure sustainable growth while managing the complexities of a multi-brand portfolio. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, Rolph guarantees that every restaurant location upholds the core mission of making a positive impact on customers. Ultimately, Rolph secures the long-term viability of the enterprise by balancing aggressive expansion with consistent quality control across all regional markets.

    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. Overseeing financial reporting and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all 200 restaurant locations operate within optimal profit margins. This leadership role involves analyzing economic data across 18 states to guide investment decisions for new brand acquisitions and facility upgrades. By implementing robust accounting controls, Michael Derr protects the company's assets while supporting the growth of the diverse dining portfolio. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to forecast revenue trends and mitigate financial risks associated with the hospitality industry. Through precise management of capital expenditures, Derr supports the expansion of brands like Modern Market Eatery. Ultimately, Derr maintains the financial stability required to sustain the company's long-standing commitment to community engagement and employee development.
    Michael Derr

    Brian Schaetzle - Market President

    Brian Schaetzle, the Market President at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs regional operations and ensures consistent service delivery across the company's extensive footprint. Overseeing the daily performance of restaurant units, the Market President optimizes supply chain logistics and staffing efficiency to meet high customer demand. This leadership role involves driving North American initiatives to standardize operational procedures across diverse dining brands. By monitoring key performance indicators, Brian Schaetzle identifies opportunities for local market growth and community integration. The Market President coordinates with regional managers to resolve operational bottlenecks and enhance the guest experience. Through active field engagement, Schaetzle ensures that every location adheres to the high standards established by the corporate office. Ultimately, Schaetzle strengthens the company's market presence by fostering operational excellence and maintaining strong relationships with local communities throughout the 18 states where the organization operates.

    Gregory Stroud - President

    Gregory Stroud, the President at Thrive Restaurant Group, leads the execution of corporate strategy and organizational development. Overseeing internal scaling and cross-departmental collaboration, the President ensures that all business units function in harmony with the company's mission. This leadership role involves architecting scalable processes that support the growth of the diverse restaurant portfolio. By aligning human resources with operational goals, Gregory Stroud drives the recruitment and retention of the 8,000-person workforce. The President works closely with other C-suite leaders to refine the company's market approach and enhance brand visibility. Through the implementation of innovative management systems, Stroud improves efficiency across the entire organization. Ultimately, Stroud secures the company's competitive advantage by fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the hospitality sector while expanding its reach across the United States.
    Gregory Stroud

    Robin Robison - President, Emerging Brands

    Robin Robison, the President, Emerging Brands at Thrive Restaurant Group, directs the development and integration of new dining concepts into the company's portfolio. Overseeing the growth of brands like Modern Market Eatery, the President, Emerging Brands identifies market gaps and tailors service models to meet evolving consumer preferences. This leadership role involves managing the transition of smaller brands into the broader corporate ecosystem. By leveraging the company's 45-year legacy, Robin Robison accelerates the expansion of these newer concepts across regional markets. The President, Emerging Brands collaborates with marketing and operations teams to ensure that each new brand maintains the high quality associated with the organization. Through strategic planning, Robison drives revenue diversification and attracts new customer segments. Ultimately, Robison secures the future of the company by cultivating a pipeline of innovative dining options that resonate with modern diners and strengthen the overall brand portfolio.

    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 operational success and brand integrity of these specific dining chains. Overseeing the performance of these established brands, the President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba ensures that each location delivers a consistent and high-quality guest experience. This leadership role involves managing the unique operational requirements of each brand while maintaining alignment with corporate standards. By optimizing menu execution and service protocols, Michael Coffey drives customer satisfaction and repeat business. The President - Applebee's, Carlos O' Kellys, and Qdoba coordinates with regional teams to implement marketing campaigns that boost brand awareness. Through rigorous oversight of unit-level performance, Coffey maximizes profitability for these core assets. Ultimately, Coffey strengthens the company's market position by ensuring that these flagship brands continue to thrive and serve as pillars of the organization's diverse dining portfolio.

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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 Brian Schaetzle (Market President).
    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), Brian Schaetzle (Market President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thrive Restaurant Group have?
    Thrive Restaurant Group has 6 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, Market President, President, President, Emerging Brands.