As part of its extensive rebranding and rebuilding initiative, Mimi’s Cafe is proud to announce the promotion of three executive-level operations leaders. Effective immediately, Stuart Gee (pictured) will assume the position of vice president operations, Mimi’s Cafe. Most recently Gee held the position of central regional director of operations. Additionally, Mike Foster and John Shackelford have been promoted to western region vice president of operations and eastern region vice president operations respectively.
Gee, Foster and Shackelford bring over 80 combined years of industry experience and remarkable operational skills to accelerate the construction of the foundation and infrastructure for the future growth of Mimi’s Cafe.
“One of the key philosophies within Le Duff America, Mimi’s Cafe parent company, is the cultivation of extraordinary teams within each of our brands. Accordingly, I am very pleased to announce these notable promotions,” said Phil Costner, president of Mimi’s Cafe. “Stuart, Mike and John have demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment to the Mimi’s brand. I’m confident that, led by Stuart, this dynamic leadership team will drive a contagious energy that in turn will drive a tenacious focus on results and deep understanding of the brand within all of our associates.”
Gee’s appointment represents yet another milestone for Mimi’s Cafe as the Executive Team continues to recruit and promote the most talented people in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Mimi’s, Gee served as the vice president of central operations for T.G.I. Fridays where he revamped training methodologies and led significant cut of overhead expenses.
Foster’s highly focused leadership style has been instrumental in the first stages of the turnaround of his markets and that momentum will only increase as he takes on the entire Western region. Foster’s past experience includes executive leadership roles with Elephant Bar Global Grill/Wok Kitchen, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Chevy’s Fresh Mex and Paragon Restaurants.
Shackelford has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to lead and adapt to change despite sizeable obstacles and will be the lynchpin of ensuring the standards of the “new Mimi’s” are upheld in the entire Eastern region. Shackelford’s prior experience includes a long and accomplished career at Bob Evans before joining Mimi’s in 2011 as a Region Coach. Foster and Shackelford will report directly to Gee.
Founded by Arthur Simms, who was stationed in France during World War II, Mimi’s Cafe is a neighborhood bistro inspired by the wonderful flavors, wines and unmistakable ambience of Paris, and named after a captivating mademoiselle he met named Mimi. In 1978, he opened the first Mimi’s Cafe inspired by his memories of Mimi and passion for good food, wine and camaraderie that he remembered so fondly. Mimi’s Cafe is owned by Le Duff America, Inc. and has 144 locations in 24 states. More info at www.MimisCafe.com.
