Del Frisco's Restaurant Group Announces Appointment of Tom Pennison as Chief Financial Officer

SOUTH LAKE, Texas, Nov. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark S. Mednansky, chief executive officer of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Pennison to the position of chief financial officer of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, parent company of the Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Del Frisco's Grille and Sullivan's Steak House restaurants.  An accomplished leader in the hospitality and financial industries, Pennison brings to Del Frisco's Restaurant Group extensive experience and a proven track record in building and leading successful teams, implementing technology to improve business processes, and overseeing all aspects of corporate finance, including acquisitions, taxation and infrastructure, resulting in significant contributions to corporate financial growth.  

"We are very pleased to announce that Tom Pennison will be joining our team," said Mednansky.  "His passion for the industry, proven record of success, and ability to lead teams through periods of growth and expansion makes him an ideal fit for Del Frisco's Restaurant Group."

Pennison brings to his new position 21 years of public and industry experience, including 13 years in a senior financial management position.  A Louisiana native, he spent 12 years at the previously New Orleans area based Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., formally known as Ruth's Chris Steak House, Inc., where he began as the director of finance in 1996 and became the chief financial officer/senior vice president in 2004, leaving the company in 2008 to start his own financial consulting firm back in Louisiana.  Pennison was instrumental in rebuilding the accounting and finance team after losing 95 percent of staff due to relocation of the corporate office to Heathrow, Florida following Hurricane Katrina.

Pennison most recently served as chief financial officer for iSeatz Inc, a customized software technology company serving primarily the travel and leisure industry.

"I have a passion for the restaurant industry, and being away from it for three years made me realize how much I missed it," said Pennison.  "The commitment to excellence at Del Frisco's Restaurant Group is nothing short of inspiring.  There is an absolute dedication to each team member and each guest's dining experience that I identify with completely.  We are not just providing a meal, we are making memories."

Pennison received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.  Pennison is a member of the Financial Executive Institute, Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, recipient of the FEI Financial Executive of the Year Award in 2007 by the Central Florida chapter of the Financial Executive Institute, and was recognized in 2011 by New Orleans CityBusiness in its inaugural class of Money Makers honorees, recognizing 50 financial professionals whose fiscal work, accomplishments and achievements have not only set the pace for their company but the region as a whole.

About Del Frisco's Restaurant Group

Based in Dallas, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group is a collection of 30 restaurants located across the country, including Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, Del Frisco's Grille and Sullivan's Steakhouse.  Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House serves up flawless chef-driven 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.  Located center stage in Rockefeller Center, Del Frisco's Grille follows the lead of the more established Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, but in a more casual bistro setting; Del Frisco's Grille is soon to open in Dallas.  With a vibe that evokes Prohibition-era America, Sullivan's Steakhouse provides a top venue for a complete night out on the town – with food, drinks, and live entertainment all under one roof.  All 30 restaurants create a seamless dining experience for savvy business travelers who regularly dine and entertain away from home.  Each restaurant in the Del Frisco's Restaurant Group welcomes guests with genuine hospitality and a commitment to the local community.

SOURCE Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group