According to Nation’s Restaurant News, “CiCi Enterprises LP, parent of the 650-unit CiCi Pizza buffet chain, said Monday it had hired Michael R. Shumsky as chief executive to replace Craig Moore, who is retiring.”

“Shumsky most recently was chief executive of the 62-unit La Madeleine Restaurant Inc. in Dallas. Prior to that, he was chairman and chief executive of Johnny Rockets Group Inc. and had served as president of Sonic Restaurants and worked with Yum! Brands Inc. and that company’s Taco Bell division.Moore, who also held the title of president, will retain an ownership position in CiCi’s upon his retirement, the company said. He joined CiCi’s 17 years ago, starting as a restaurant manager in 1992, when the company had 30 restaurants in Texas and 17 franchisees. CiCi’s is now in 32 states and has 270 franchisees. The company said Moore would remain through the leadership transition.”

“’Craig and the management team have built a strong foundation and they have taken the company to a high operating level,’ Shumsky said in a statement. ‘I hear from people all the time how much they love the CiCi’s brand and how it consistently delivers on its ‘quality at a great value’ brand positioning.’”

“Bob Kulick, president of JMC Restaurant Distribution, which is CiCi’s distribution division, said in a statement: ‘The naming of an experienced restaurant executive like Mike Shumsky leaves CiCi’s in very capable hands. With his experience in franchising and growing great brands, he will be a great addition to the CiCi’s team.’”