Following the release of its trading update, Hostmore plc, the group which operates the Edinburgh-based Fridays and 63rd+1st restaurant brands, has announced that Robert B. Cook has decided to step down as Chief Executive and as a Director of the Company with immediate effect.
Julie McEwan, currently Chief Operating Officer of Fridays, has been appointed Interim CEO. McEwan joined Fridays in February 2022 and, prior to that, was at Big Table Group (previously Casual Dining Group), latterly as Brand Director of Las Iguanas. She has previously held management roles at Spirit Pub Company, Premier Inn and Whitbread.
Hostmore also commented that a search process “to find the best long-term candidate for CEO and will update shareholders once the process has been completed.”
Gavin Manson, Chairman of Hostmore, said, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Robert for his efforts as CEO over the past three years, particularly in steering the business through the Covid pandemic and in rebuilding the Executive Team, and we wish him well for the future.
“We are pleased that Julie has accepted the role of Interim CEO, given her strong sector experience and operational strengths. Together, we look forward to focusing on the Group’s priorities and building on its strengths in the weeks and months ahead.”
Robert B.Cook, outgoing Chief Executive Officer of Hostmore, said, “I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to the Board and the Executive Team for their support in my three years at the helm, and, most importantly, to thank all the team in the restaurants who pull on the red and white stripes every day and do such a sterling job for the brand.”
Hostmore generated revenue in December 2022 of £21.3m, up marginally on December 2021 (£21.2m). Revenue for for the half year to 1 January 2023 was 14% below the comparative 2019 period which the business said was achieved despite rail strikes, the World Cup, and unusually cold weather, as well as the passing of Queen Elizabeth.