• by Teresa Buyikian , October 23, 2023

Today, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc., announced that Eduardo Luz has been appointed chief executive officer and president. Luz joins the Scottsdale, Arizona-based chain from Panera Bread after an “exhaustive search,” according to the company.

Most recently Luz served as chief brand and concept officer for Panera, where he led all sales and branding areas, including strategy, channel P&Ls, digital, loyalty, subscriptions, pricing, culinary, guest experience, advertising, design, media and sustainability.

"I believe that P.F. Chang's has a tremendous omnichannel opportunity, both domestically and abroad,” said Luz in a release. “We will broaden our reach as we offer Asian cuisine and hospitality … with a differentiated guest experience."

Luz replaces interim president and CEO Rohit Manocha, co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors (and co-owner of P.F. Chang’s), who took over duties while the company searched for a replacement for former CEO Damola Adamolekun. After serving as CEO for four years, Adamolekun left P.F. Chang’s to rejoin private equity firm Paulson & Co. (P.F. Chang’s lead investor) as a partner earlier this year.

Earlier in his career, Luz worked in various leadership positions at The Kraft Heinz Company. He also served as CEO of 8Greens and held leadership positions with Unilever and Anheuser-Busch, among others.

"(Luz’s) expertise in marketing, consumer experience, operations and the growing fast-casual category provide us market-leading capabilities," said John Paulson of Paulson & Company.

Founded in 1993 and now touting over 300 locations globally, P.F Chang’s recently announced the launch of its Lucky 8 Happy Hour menu to commemorate its 30th anniversary.  The menu features discounted cocktails, such as the Lychee Cosmo, Jade Mojito, Tropical Tiki and Sparkling Paloma, as well as appetizers like tempura calamari, crab wontons and handmade dumplings.