Artistry Restaurants, which has a portfolio of five brands with 29 locations in the Southeast, has named Bryan Lockwood as CEO, the company announced this week.
Winter Park, Fla.-based Artistry, which plans to add a sixth brand later this year, said Lockwood has experience as an investor, franchisor, and franchisee in specialty and multi-unit restaurant operations.
Related: Artistry Restaurants’ Oak & Stone is the cornerstone brand poised for growth
“Bryan believes in the power of vision. He sees the potential in brands and then invests in a talented team across all key disciplines — from operations and development, to recruiting, culinary, human resources, marketing, and construction — to get results,” Barry Goff, Artististry Restaurants managing partner, said in a statement. “He will be an invaluable leader during this exciting phase in the company’s growth.”
Lockwood has served as CEO of California-based Stonefire Grill and Real Mex Restaurants (with more than 90 restaurants including brands such as El Torito, Chevys Fresh Mex, Acapulco, Las Brisas, Sinigual, and the upscale El Torito Grill), and as president and CEO of Tavistock Restaurants.
Lockwood is currently the principal at Rare One LLC, a private-investment company specializing in restaurants and hospitality.
Artistry earlier this year named Jason Brooks as chief operating officer and partner.
Brooks most recently served as vice president of operations for Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group and earlier had worked with Outback parent Bloomin’ Brands Inc.
Artistry Restaurants brands include Boca, Shrimp Basket, Oak & Stone, Atlantic Beer and Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island.
