McD’s Vet Ed Rensi Steps In As Interim CEO At Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave’s of America has appointed Ed Rensi, the former president/CEO of McDonald’s U.S.A., as its interim CEO. He succeeds John Gilbert, who resigned after 16 months at the Minneapolis barbecue chain.

Rensi, who joined the Famous Dave’s board of directors last month, said, “I have been a customer and a fan of Famous Dave’s for 20 years and I am delighted to lead Famous Dave’s for the foreseeable future. [Founder] Dave Anderson has been a professional friend of mine for a long time.”

Rensi spent most of his foodservice career at McDonald’s. He served as president from 1984-1991, and as president/CEO through 1997. When he left the Oak Brook, Ill., chain, Rensi cofounded the “better burger” chain, Tom & Eddie’s, which now has five stores in the Chicago area.

Famous Dave’s owns 54 locations and franchises 142 units in 34 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.