Stonefire Grill has named former Cheesecake Factory executive Scott Thomas as EVP, according to a company press release. “Bringing Scott to Stonefire Grill was an important strategic decision for us as we continue growing the brand throughout Southern California and beyond,” said Justin Lopez, Stonefire Grill CEO. “His experience, insights and vision are invaluable and we’re thrilled to not just have him join us, but also for the impact he will undoubtedly make.” Thomas spent 26 years at Cheesecake Factory, most recently as senior global director of operations. During his tenure, he led the opening of 10 restaurants domestically and nine internationally, according to the release. The initial foray of the brand’s first three international restaurants was in the Middle East. During this time, Thomas helped to develop systems and best practices for the brand’s global expansion. Thomas’ earlier industry years were spent with Hillstone Restaurant Group where Thomas worked with the Houston’s brand in Arizona, Texas and Southern California. “I’m really looking forward to working with the Stonefire Grill team, building on the great operations they’ve created, and fine-tuning and scaling the brand across the US,” Thomas said in the release. “For me, it wasn’t only the opportunity to grow the brand from a business economics position, it was about the people. To have the chance to join a group with such a deep-rooted culture of taking care of people just made sense. Our core values aligned and that meant a lot to me.” Stonefire has locations in Valencia, West Hills, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Chatsworth, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks, Lakewood, Rancho Cucamonga, Torrance, Ventura and Brea, California. – Source: Fast Casual.