News

ROTI names new CEO

February 10, 2014

ROTI Mediterranean Grill has named Carl Segal as the CEO of the Chicago-based chain, effective Feb 18. Segal comes to ROTI from Potbelly Sandwich Works, with a career of 13 years, most recently serving as SVP of Operations, according to a company press release.

Ed Berg, who came out of retirement 14 months ago to help ROTI accelerate its focus on people and culture, is stepping down from his role as CEO.

"The Board is extremely grateful to Ed for strengthening and building the culture of ROTI as we expanded our brand into New York City," said Chairman of the Board Mats Lederhausen. "Over the past seven years, we have built the leading Mediterranean restaurant brand with food that is irresistibly delicious and irrefutably healthful. We know that Carl can take the brand to the next level by developing a systematic approach to the sourcing and preparation of our food, to training our people, and to advancing our technological capabilities."

Before joining Potbelly, Segal was a founding partner of Bistro Zinc restaurants in Chicago, and served as a principal in the consulting firm of Segal Eslick Associates. Segal began his restaurant career with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, where he spent 10 years managing restaurants and developing restaurant concepts, according to the release.

"I'm thrilled to join ROTI because I love the concept," Segal said. "I have been a customer for years and immediately connected with their focus on high quality ingredients, bold spices, and strong people culture that make ROTI a company with a great future."

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