News

Così names Carin Stutz CEO

December 12, 2011

Così Inc. has announced the appointment of Carin L. Stutz as the company’s new chief executive officer and president, effective Jan. 1. She also will join the Così board of directors.

“Carin is a proven leader with deep operational, marketing and business development experience,” said Michael O’Donnell, CEO of Ruth’s Hospitality Group and a member of the Così board and search committee. “She is a respected leader with a track record of innovative strategic brand building, and an impressive record of accomplishment, having held leadership positions at several of our industry's leading companies. Her energetic leadership and broad perspective will drive our company forward.”

Stutz, 55, joins Cosi from restaurant leader Brinker International Inc., where she was president of Global Business Development, leading all aspects of franchise development and operations for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants around the globe. Prior to joining Brinker, Stutz was executive vice president of Operations for Applebee’s International Inc., where she oversaw more than 1,900 company-owned and franchise restaurants in 49 states. Prior to Applebee’s, she was the Pacific Division VP for Wendy’s International; served as regional operations VP for Sodexo, U.S.A., and was VP of Corporate Operations for NutriSystem Inc.

Stutz holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mid America Nazarene University. She also is the chair of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, an organization dedicated to developing gender-diverse leadership talent.

In conjunction with the appointment of the new CEO, the company has announced that board of directors member Stephen F. Edwards will assume the role of executive chair on Jan. 1. Edwards will work with the company’s management team to refine the long-term strategic plan, explore opportunities to raise capital and communicate with various external constituencies, and will serve as a liaison between management and the board.

As the company's new CEO, Stutz will have several uphill climbs. In the company's third quarter, it reported a net loss of nearly $1.5 million and a 3 percent drop in same-store sales. At the time, interim CEO Mark Demilio said the chain was encouraged by improving fourth-quarter sales.