Modern Restaurant Concepts, which is the parent company of Qdoba, Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade brands, officially announced that they have named John Cywinski as the restaurant group’s newest CEO, effective immediately.
Cywinski joins the company after serving as President of Applebees for the last six year, announcing his departure in early January.
Keith Guilbault, prior Co-CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts for seven years, is leaving the company for other unspecified opportunities.
“The Butterfly team has a compelling and ambitious vision within the restaurant industry that holds great appeal for me,” Cywinski said in a statement. “Qdoba is exceptionally well-positioned, as the number two brand in the Mexican fast casual category, with positive comp sales for 11 of the past 13 years, very attractive restaurant-level margins, broad consumer appeal, and the capacity to double in size over the next decade.”
“John is an exceptional operator and executive with a track record of success in the restaurant space,” Adam Waglay, cofounder and co-CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts majority owner, Butterfly, said in a statement. “His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we accelerate the company’s growth, and we’re incredibly honored to have someone of his caliber join the team.”
