News

Così names new CEO

March 18, 2014

Così today announced the appointment of R.J. Dourney as its president and CEO. He is also member of the company's Board of Directors. Dourney, 55, is the founder and CEO of Hearthstone Associates, a Massachusetts-based restaurant company that operates 13 franchised restaurants in the Boston market and is Così's largest franchisee, according to a company press release.

Stephen Edwards, previously president and CEO, will assume the role of executive chairman and continue to serve as a member of Così's Board of Directors.

"I've had the privilege of working closely with R.J. since joining Così and have been impressed with his knowledge of the brand and industry, his strong operating acumen and his passion for building a culture of success," Edwards said. "R.J. and his team have achieved industry leading results with Così and we are excited to have him carry these results to all of Così."

Prior to founding Hearthstone Associates, Dourney served as COO for Au Bon Pain, overseeing the $250 million business both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Au Bon Pain, he held operating leadership positions with Applebee's International including VP of Franchise Operations and Development, overseeing a $3.1 billion franchise system. He has extensive operations, real estate and organizational experience having grown multiple concepts throughout the United States, according to the release.

"I have long known that Così is a great brand with tremendous potential," Dourney said. " I am confident that leveraging the culture and operating systems developed at Hearthstone to the rest of the organization is a strong first step in moving the brand forward. I look forward to working closely with the Così team and franchise partners to leverage our collective talent and passion to turn this business around for the benefit of our shareholders, franchise partners, employees and guests. I know what needs to be done and am ready to move the team and the concept forward."