IRVING, Texas, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheddar's Casual Cafe, a leader in the high value, American casual dining segment, announces restaurant industry veteran Peter Gaudreau joined the executive team on Jan. 14 to serve as executive vice president of operations.  

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Effective immediately, Gaudreau will lead Cheddar's operations team responsible for 72 company-owned restaurants and further position the company, with 130 restaurants in 23 states, for operational excellence as it continues its aggressive domestic expansion.

"Peter knows why our guests love Cheddar's and he will help us uphold our promise to deliver handmade from scratch, quality food, served in an inviting, polished atmosphere by genuine servers, all at a price noticeably lower than other restaurants," said Cheddar's Chairman and CEO Kelly C. Baltes. "I am excited to have Peter join the Cheddar's team as he brings a unique combination of experience and skills to lead our great operations team. He will provide passionate leadership to further advance our culinary and service standards, the development of our great leaders and our team for continued growth."

Gaudreau previously served as vice president of operations for FREEB!RDS, which topped Technomic's Top 150 Fast Casual Chain Restaurant Report as the fastest-growing fast casual chain of 2011. He brings extensive experience in the fine and upscale dining segments including positions with Napa Valley Grill, California Cafe and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant.

As the fastest growing player in its category, Cheddar's has repeatedly garnered top honors from Zagat, Consumer Reports and Nation's Restaurant News for food quality, customer experience, value and atmosphere.

About Cheddar's Casual Cafe
Irving, TX-based Cheddar's Casual Cafe was founded in 1979 as an inviting neighborhood restaurant featuring handmade, quality food offered at a reasonable price.  With that start, Cheddar's has grown to 130 company-owned and franchise locations in 23 states. Cheddar's differentiated position combines scratch-based, handmade, quality food and genuine, caring service in a polished atmosphere for a value price that is significantly below its competitors. In 2012, Zagat ranked Cheddar's the nation's No.1 full-service restaurant chain as well as Top Overall American Cuisine, the Top Rated Food and Top Rated Decor and Facilities. Consumer Reports named Cheddar's #1 in the Pub Style or Grill Category in its two restaurant surveys in 2009 and 2012. The company also received the top ranking in Value in Nation's Restaurant News/WD Partners' Consumer Picks Edition in 2011 and 2012. For more information, visit Cheddars.com or www.facebook.com/CheddarsCasualCafe.

Media contact:
Rebecca Wilkins, SPM Communications
214-379-7000
rebecca@spmcommunications.com

SOURCE Cheddar’s Casual Cafe