Staffing

Smokey Bones promotes COO to president after CEO departs

Smokey Bones, a 62-unit casual brand that also operates two virtual kitchen brands — The Wing Experience and The Burger Experience — has promoted COO Hal Lawlor to the newly-created role of president and COO. Provided

June 29, 2023

Smokey Bones, a 62-unit casual brand that also operates two virtual kitchen brands — The Wing Experience and The Burger Experience — has promoted COO Hal Lawlor to the newly-created role of president and COO.

Lawlor, who joined the brand in 2019, takes the reins following the departure of CEO James O'Reilly, who led the brand for four years before leaving to become the CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, which owns over 600 Huddle House and Perkins locations.

"I'm honored to take the reins and lead both my peers and the field at this exciting time for Smokey Bones, as we continue to build on our momentum," Lawlor said in a company press release. "I've been fortunate enough to be part of this amazing brand for a few years, and I'm looking forward to continuing to develop the brand through our restaurant operations, our dining experience and our people, who make both of those possible."

Before joining Smokey Bones, Lawlor held several leadership roles at Red Lobster, including VP of operations, and served as RVP at PF Chang's.