Huddle House is an American casual dining restaurant chain. Credit: Ken Wolter via Shutterstock.com.

American casual dining restaurant chain Huddle House has named Blain Shortreed as its new brand president.

Shortreed has more than 30 years of experience. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing business operations, marketing, franchising and culinary innovation.

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Ascent Hospitality Management CEO James O’Reilly stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Blain to the Ascent Hospitality Management senior executive team as he assumes leadership of the Huddle House system.

“He brings extensive restaurant operations and finance experience that will be incredibly valuable to the brand. He’s demonstrated throughout his career the ability to grow brands and will be vital as we continue to expand and evolve our organisation.”

Ascent Hospitality Management is the parent company of the Huddle House brand.

Before joining Huddle House, Shortreed was the CEO of the quick-service seafood chain Long John Silver’s, where he built a team to deliver on legacy brands’ turnaround strategy.

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Shortreed first joined Long John Silver’s as chief operating officer and was later promoted to chief executive officer.

Before joining the seafood chain, Shortreed was associated with Pizza Hut, where he served as vice-president of operations and was tasked to oversee the operations of more than 5,000 domestic corporate and franchise-owned locations.

He also rebuilt the Middle East Pizza Hut team, helping to promote brand growth by establishing more than 100 restaurants.

In his 30-year career, Shortreed has also worked with Yum! Restaurants Canada, where he served as vice-president of operations.

In this role, he oversaw operations for the company and franchised KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations.

Shortreed said: “Huddle House is an iconic brand that boasts decades of success in the breakfast space and continues to innovate to drive growth opportunities. I am honoured to join the organisation and guide the team during such an exciting time.

“Committed to serving any meal, any time, Huddle House restaurants have become icons in the communities they serve throughout the country by bringing friends and family together over delicious foods served from the heart.”