LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Catch, a leading West Coast seafood restaurant brand, announced today the appointment of Sam Hallak as Chief Executive Officer. Pacific Catch has recently expanded beyond its Northern California roots into Southern California, most recently opening a new restaurant in Brea, California in May 2026. Hallak succeeds co-founder Keith Cox, who will remain involved with the company as a member of its board of directors.
Hallak joins Pacific Catch with a mandate to elevate hospitality and the guest experience, strengthen operational discipline, and build the systems and leadership capabilities required for the brand's next stage of growth.
Hallak is a restaurant industry executive with more than 20 years of experience in multi-unit, full-service restaurants. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Innovative Dining Group, where he oversaw operations across the company's 16-restaurant portfolio, including Sushi Roku, BOA Steakhouse, Katana, Pacific Grill and Creekside Terrace.
Prior to Innovative Dining Group, Hallak spent six years at The Kitchen Restaurant Group, rising from Director of Operations to Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. He also served as an Area Director at Tavistock Restaurant Collection and spent nearly a decade at The Palm Restaurant Group.
"Pacific Catch has built a special brand that people genuinely love with real runway ahead of it," said Hallak. "My focus is on the fundamentals: exceptional hospitality in every restaurant, tighter operational execution, and making sure the menu keeps evolving with our guests. I'm excited to work alongside the team to help build on Pacific Catch's 23-year legacy and bring this brand to even more guests across the West Coast."
"I am excited to welcome Sam to Pacific Catch," said Rahul Aggarwal, Partner at Brentwood Associates, the lead equity investor in the company. "Sam brings the operational discipline and hospitality instincts that will help Pacific Catch reach its next phase of growth, and I am confident that he has the experience and strategic vision to lead Pacific Catch to new levels of success in the future."
Mike Hislop, a director of the Company, added, "I could not be more pleased to have Sam leading Pacific Catch into its next stage of growth. His experience across a number of highly regarded brands, combined with his leadership capabilities, will be invaluable as we continue to build on the Company's strong foundation and pursue the opportunities ahead."
ABOUT PACIFIC CATCH
Born out of a spirit of adventure 23 years ago, Pacific Catch has grown into a leading fish house, offering fresh, sustainable seafood with Pacific flavors in a decidedly West Coast style. The modern, casual restaurant boasts an ever-evolving menu that celebrates the diverse range of flavors and ingredients from around the Pacific Rim, all served with Aloha-inspired hospitality. The company operates 16 restaurants across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. For more information, please visit www.pacificcatch.com.
ABOUT BRENTWOOD ASSOCIATES
Brentwood Associates is a Los Angeles-based private equity investment firm founded in 1984, with a 30+ year history of investing in middle-market, growth-oriented companies. Brentwood's private equity team has invested in over 50 portfolio companies, representing more than $7 billion in aggregate transaction value. With deep expertise in investing and brand building, Brentwood is a value-added partner for entrepreneurs and senior management teams building world-class companies. For more information, please visit www.brentwood.com.
SOURCE Pacific Catch
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