Foodservice veteran Loret Carbone has been hired as president of Chicago-based Flat Top Grill and its parent company, Happy Valley Corp., effective immediately. Carbone comes directly from Blue Chalk Cafe Corp.’s Left at Albuquerque concept in San Francisco’s Bay Area, where she served as senior vice president of human resources/chief people officer. Additionally, she is a former vice president of human resources and was the first female partner at Chicago’s Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc.

“I am thrilled to have Loret on board at Flat Top Grill,” said founder Keene Addington. “I know her human resources expertise and operations wherewithal will significantly help our company. Loret’s addition to the Flat Top Grill family signifies the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our development.”

Addington, former president, moves into the CEO position, which allows him to focus on the company’s overall vision and future growth.

Headquartered in Chicago, Flat Top Grill’s signature is quality create-your-own stir-fry in a neighborhood setting. Guests can choose from over 70 ingredients on the fresh stir-fry bar to create their own designer meals. Flat Top Grill also features a full bar, gourmet appetizers and homemade desserts. Founded in 1995, there are now five Chicago-area locations and one each in Virginia and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit the Flat Top Grill Web site — www.flattopgrill.com.