• by Teresa Buyikian , December 13, 2023

Huddle House, the 50-year-old family restaurant with close to 250 locations across the southern and eastern U.S., recently announced the hiring of Blain Shortreed as brand president.

In his new role, Shortreed will be responsible for overseeing company operations, franchisees, marketing and culinary innovation.

Shortreed “brings extensive restaurant operations and finance experience that will be incredibly valuable to the brand,” said James O’Reilly, CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, Huddle House’s parent company, in the announcement.

Shortreed joined Huddle House after serving as an independent restaurant consultant and executive coach for the last several years. He previously worked at Long John Silver’s for almost five years, where he rose to CEO for the 600 unit quick-service seafood chain. Before that, he was Pizza Hut's vice president of operations, working with the company for nearly 10 years. He also played a key role in rebuilding the Middle East Pizza Hut team, establishing over 100 restaurants.

Earlier in his career, Shortreed was vice president of operations for Yum Restaurants Canada, where he oversaw operations for the company and franchised KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell locations. He also worked as director of operations for KFC Western Canada.

Founded in Decatur, Georgia, Huddle House touts itself as “home-style made-to-order food without the fuss… for anyone who doesn’t need that next trendy thing,” with a menu consisting of signature waffles, burgers and traditional Southern dishes such as Western Grits and Country Fried Steak.