BJ’s Restaurants Names New CEO

Lyle D. Tick, president and chief concept officer of BJ’s Restaurants since September 2024, has been appointed chief executive officer and president of the brand.

“As president and chief concept officer, Lyle has quickly refocused the company’s core sales and profit-driving initiatives to further differentiate our concept while capturing opportunities to reduce operational complexity,” says Lea Anne S. Ottinger, the company’s board chair. Tick also has been instrumental in the creation of BJ’s strategic vision, says the company.

Before BJ’s, he held roles including president and CEO of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina from December 2023-August 2024, and brand president of Buffalo Wild Wings from 2018-2023, when he helped launch the Buffalo Wild Wings GO sub-brand.

Additionally, BJ’s shares that CFO Thomas A. Houdek has resigned, effective June 20, accepting a role outside of the restaurant industry.