Joanna Fantozzi

New Orleans-based Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, parent company of Ruby Slipper Café and Ruby Sunshine, announced Wednesday the promotion of Elizabeth McGee from chief operating officer to chief executive officer. McGee assumes the mantle of CEO just eight months after joining Ruby Slipper as COO from Dine Brands, where she served as vice president of company operations for four years.

“When I first joined Ruby Slipper last year, I immediately knew that this was a place where I wanted to stay,” McGee said in a statement. “In the short time that I’ve been here, it’s been fun to see all the milestones we’ve already reached as we continue to provide guests ‘That Brunch Life’ experience. I’m so honored to take over as CEO and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”  

McGee has 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and before her positions at both Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group and Dine Brands, she also held multiple leadership positions at the now-defunct Apple Gold Group, one of the original Applebee’s franchisees. As COO of Ruby Slipper restaurant Group starting in November, McGee spearheaded all talent and human resources functions, and also monitored daily operations and food and beverage innovation.

“Elizabeth’s proven track record of building high performing teams and her operational expertise is the best in the industry, so it was a no-brainer to name her CEO,” Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group board chair Jack Murphy said in a statement. “We are so blessed to have her passion for people and operations with the company and can’t wait to see what she has in store for Ruby Slipper and Ruby Sunshine.”

Related:Ruby Slipper Café parent names Elizabeth McGee its new COO

Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group currently operates 20 restaurants across multiple states in the Southeastern quadrant of the United States, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected]