Ignite Restaurant Group Appoints Jim Doak to New Culinary Leadership Role

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ignite Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: IRG) today announced that it has added award-winning industry veteran Jim Doak to its team in the newly created position of vice president of menu innovation and corporate executive chef, effective Sept. 10. Additionally, the company announced that it has promoted Kristen Temple to vice president of marketing and Deanna Parr to vice president of design services.

“Jim’s expertise and reputation as a culinary trendsetter make him a very strong addition to our team as we work to grow our brands across the country”

A professionally trained chef with a long history in the restaurant business, Mr. Doak joins the Ignite team from Culver’s, a fast casual chain headquartered in Madison, Wis. As head of Ignite’s food and beverage team, Doak will oversee all menu and beverage development for both Joe’s Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern + Tap, relying on his collaborative work style and menu expertise to fill the new product pipeline with inventive menu items that increase guest counts and sales.

Throughout his career, Doak has held management roles at respected brands, including Applebee’s International and Metromedia Restaurant Group. He earned a B.A. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management with continuing studies in menu development at the Culinary Institute of America. He is a Certified Chef de Cuisine with the American Culinary Federation and a three-time recipient of the MenuMasters award, presented by Nation’s Restaurant News to recognize leaders in menu development.

“Jim’s expertise and reputation as a culinary trendsetter make him a very strong addition to our team as we work to grow our brands across the country,” said Ignite SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Robin Ahearn. “He has the experience to help Ignite build a strong foundation for the future of our brands and the creativity to bring our guests great new dining experiences.”

As vice president of marketing, Kristen Temple will set strategy for marketing and menu planning and lead projects through to implementation. She will also oversee brand management and marketing program analysis, as well as identify new areas for development within the Joe’s and Brick House brands. Temple holds a B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Rice University.

Deanna Parr will lead creative development for both Ignite brands in her new role as vice president of design services, overseeing menu design, TV production, digital and website communications, and décor and design for current and new locations. Parr’s responsibilities will also include managing the design of branded properties, including the new Joe’s Daytona Beach Pier, which launched in July. She holds a B.A. from Texas State in Communication Design.

About Ignite Restaurant Group

Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRG) owns and operates two restaurant brands, Joe's Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern + Tap. Each brand offers a variety of high-quality, chef-inspired food and beverages in a distinctive, casual, high-energy atmosphere. Joe's Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern + Tap operate in a diverse set of markets across the United States. Joe's Crab Shack operates 124 restaurants in 31 states and Brick House Tavern + Tap operates 16 restaurants in 9 states.