Xperience Restaurant Group Appoints RJ Thomas as President

Portfolio - People | Dec 03, 2024 | Z Capital Group LLC

Xperience Restaurant Group Appoints RJ Thomas as President

Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG), a portfolio company backed by Z Capital Group LLC (ZCG), has announced the appointment of RJ Thomas as its new President. RJ Thomas brings over thirty years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry. Before joining XRG in July 2024, Thomas was the President and Chief Operating Officer at Uncle Julio's Corporation and Kings Seafood Company, where he successfully launched new concepts and sustained operational growth. Under his guidance, XRG aims to leverage his strategic vision to enhance guest satisfaction and expand its national presence. XRG, with brands such as Acapulco and Chevys Fresh Mex, aims at redefining dining experiences in the U.S. ZCG, founded by James Zenni, manages a vast portfolio encompassing private markets asset management and technology solutions with a global presence.

Sectors

  • Restaurant and Food Services
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United States – The primary geography is the United States, as Xperience Restaurant Group operates mainly within this country and RJ Thomas's leadership is focused on redefining dining experiences across the U.S.
  • India – ZCG, the backing private equity firm, has affiliate offices in Pune and Mumbai, India, contributing to its global operational footprint.
  • Saudi Arabia – ZCG also has affiliate offices in Riyadh, KSA, indicating its global presence and relevance in the context of the article.

Industry

  • Restaurant and Food Services – This industry is relevant because the article focuses on the leadership changes within Xperience Restaurant Group, a major operator of casual, polished casual, and fine dining restaurants in the United States.
  • Private Equity – Z Capital Group is a private equity firm and the owner of Xperience Restaurant Group, indicating the involvement of private equity industry dynamics in the article.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    Xperience Restaurant GroupTarget companyCompanyXRG is a prominent operator of casual and fine dining restaurants in the U.S., known for its innovative dining concepts and expanding national presence.
    RJ ThomasNewly appointed PresidentPersonRJ Thomas brings over 30 years of leadership in the restaurant industry and is known for driving strategic growth and operational efficiency.
    Z Capital Group LLCPrivate equity backerCompanyZCG is a leading merchant bank involved in private equity, business consulting, and technology development with a global presence.
    James ZenniCEO of ZCGPersonJames Zenni is the Founder, President, and CEO of ZCG, overseeing its strategic operations and investments in various sectors.
    Uncle Julios CorporationFormer employer of RJ ThomasCompanyA sponsor-backed restaurant concept where RJ Thomas previously served as President and COO.
    Kings Seafood CompanyFormer employer of RJ ThomasCompanyR.J. Thomas served as President and COO here, launching successful new concepts and driving operational excellence.