Mark S. Mednansky, chief executive officer of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, is pleased to announce that Ray Risley has been promoted to vice president of operations and will lead the management and growth of all 19 Sullivan’s Steakhouses across the country. A key executive who has been very successful with Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group for nearly 15 years, Risley has helped build the national prominence of all three brands within the company: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House and Del Frisco’s Grille.
“We are thrilled to promote one of our own to lead the continued growth of Sullivan’s Steakhouses,” said Mark S. Mednansky, CEO of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group. “Ray Risley has done a fantastic job opening and managing new restaurants for us throughout his career. His enthusiasm and expertise will help shape and define Sullivan’s Steakhouse as the brand continues to evolve.”
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group recently introduced a new menu for Sullivan’s Steakhouses that includes seasonal fare and lighter dishes, while staying true to its steakhouse roots and classic favorites. Risley will also oversee the redesign of Sullivan’s Steakhouses across the country. Most recently, he helped Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group launch its newest brand, Del Frisco’s Grille, which won the coveted “2012 Hot Concepts Award,” given annually by Nation’s Restaurant News.
In becoming vice president of operations, overseeing Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Risley’s career with Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group is coming full circle. He originally joined the company as the general manager of Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Dallas in 1998. Since then, Risley has also served as general manager of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in New York, which was recently named Wall Street’s favorite restaurant. He helped make it a juggernaut on the Midtown Manhattan dining scene, and has guided the growth of dozens of restaurants within the company as both a general manager and regional manager during his 15 years with Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group.
“I want everyone who walks into a Sullivan’s Steakhouse to have the same great first impression that I had 15 years ago when I walked into Sullivan’s for the first time. I love the food, the ambiance, and the energy,” says Ray Risley. “I am thrilled to work with the best team in the business to continually raise the bar for terrific food, great drinks and our warm, genuine hospitality. I look forward to doing everything I can to help Sullivan’s Steakhouse continue to grow and prosper.”
Risley resides in Frisco, Texas with his wife, Stephanie, and his son, Jack.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse is owned by Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: DFRG). Based in Southlake, Texas, near Dallas, Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group is a collection of more than 35 restaurants located across the country, including Del Frisco’s Grille, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, and Sullivan’s Steakhouse. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House serves up flawless cuisine that’s bold and delicious, an extensive award-winning wine list and a level of service that reminds guests that they’re the boss. Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a great place to wine and dine any night of the week – with outstanding food, hand-shaken martinis, an award winning wine list, and live entertainment all under one roof. Del Frisco’s Grille is modern, inviting, stylish and fun, taking the classic bar and grill to new heights, and drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. All of the restaurants create a seamless dining experience for savvy business and leisure travelers who regularly dine or entertain away from home.
