News

Deitchle appointed CEO over BJ's Restaurants

January 18, 2005

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Pizza and craft beer-centered BJ's Restaurants, Inc. announced that Gerald W. Deitchle has been named president and chief executive officer of the company.

According to a news release, he replaces co-CEOs Paul Motenko and Jerry Hennessy, who now are the 35-unit chain's co-chairmen of the board.

Deitchle joined BJ's board last November 2004 and will remain a director.

"(Jerry) is an extremely well-regarded and experienced restaurant executive with an outstanding record of success in our industry," said Motenko. "The company is very fortunate to have Jerry at the helm as we continue towards our goal of becoming a national restaurant company."

Deitchle, 53, has more than 27 years of executive and financial management experience with national restaurant and retail chain operations. Since April 2004, he has served as president, chief operating officer and a director of Fired Up, Inc., which operates the 135-unit Johnny Carino's Italian chain.

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. also announced today that Mike Nahkunst, its chief operating officer, will leave the company on March 21. Monteko called Nahkunst "instrumental in helping to build a solid operational infrastructure and team for BJ's to prosper and grow."