Kona Grill COO Larry Ryback Leaves For P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. said Friday that Larry Ryback will become chief operating officer of its casual-dining P.F. Chang's division in March.

Ryback is resigning as chief operating officer at Kona Grill Inc., the grill-sushi restaurant operator said Friday. Both companies are based in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"We are thrilled to welcome Larry as COO of P.F. Chang's," said Lane Cardwell, president of the 204-unit P.F. Chang's chain. "Larry is philosophically aligned with the key factors that have been the hallmarks of our success: strong operations, culinary execution, hospitality and development of people."

Berke Bakay, president and chief executive of Kona Grill, said that 23-unit chain would be looking at "internal candidates" for Ryback's successor.

Contact Ron Ruggless at ronald.ruggless@penton.com.
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