Staffing

Earl Enterprises snags former Darden, Chuck E Cheese president

September 14, 2022

Robert Earl, founder and chairman of Orlando-based Earl Enterprises, has hired industry Michael Beacham to help drive revenue and grow the customer base across all its brands, including Earl of Sandwich, Buca di Beppo, Planet Hollywood, Bertucci's, Brio Italian Grille, Bravo Italian Kitchen, Chicken Guy, TooJay's, Asian Street Eats, Cafe Hollywood, Seaside on the Pier, Planet Hollywood Hotels Worldwide and The Breakfast Club.

"Michael's experience and knowledge of the industry are top-notch, and, with his wide-ranging background, I know he will bring new, innovative tactics and ideas to our operation," Earl said in a company press release.

Beacham, who has served as president of Darden International, COO at Hard Rock, CDO at Rosinter Restaurant Holdings and COO of Chuck E Cheese, most recently was president of Reef Kitchens, a virtual kitchen provider.

"I have been a big fan both personally and professionally of Robert and the Earl Enterprise team for many years and couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization," Beacham said in the release. "Throughout my career, I have had the good fortune of touching many organizations and developing deep industry relationships. Our industry is fast changing, and Earl Enterprises and its various businesses are far ahead of the pack of navigating this new frontier.

"I am confident that the unique and innovative approach Robert has taken to harness this ever-changing environment will not only continue to set up the Earl Enterprises brands up for success but will also become a blueprint for how restaurants operate in the future."