SCDigest editorial staff

The News:  Restaurant chain O’Charley’s names a new Chief Supply Chain Officer, Lawrence Taylor

The Impact: Interesting move in an industry not generally known for supply chain leadership; more signs the integrated supply chain model is becoming the standard.

The Story: Nashville-based restaurant chain O’Charlie’s announced this week the appointment of Lawrence Taylor to the newly created post of Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Taylor will be responsible for all aspects of procurement, manufacturing and distribution at O'Charley's three restaurant chains - O'Charley's, Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub and Stoney River Legendary Steaks.

Prior to accepting this position, Taylor was an executive at Carlson, which owns TGI Friday’s and other restaurant and travel-related business. He was chief procurement officer there at the time of the move.

In this new role, Taylor will report to O’Charley’s CEO Gregory Burns. The company said his focus would be on product quality and cost reduction for the chain, which has lately struggled with high operating costs.

Does O’Charlie’s new Chief Supply Chain Officer position surprise you. The restaurant industry is not known for its supply chain focus generally – should it increase attention there? Let us know your thoughts.