Plano, Texas-based Metromedia Restaurant Group (MRG) has announced the promotion of Bill Spae to president and COO of steakhouse chain Steak and Ale Restaurants.


Spae joined MRG in July of 2000 as senior VP, Operations, for the Metromedia Family Steakhouse division, which includes Ponderosa and Bonanza brands. In this position Spae positively impacted restaurant operations of the company-owned stores, and contributed to the development and execution of business strategies and concepts for both company and franchised stores.


In November 2001, Spae accepted the position of COO for Steak and Ale Restaurants. He commented: “I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead this phenomenal restaurant team, whose hard work and vision to be the ‘Best Steakhouse in Town’ are getting results.


“Steak and Ale’s core baby-boomer customers have rediscovered the chain.”


Metromedia Steak Division President John Wright, who oversees the Steak and Ale and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse chains, commented that Spae’s leadership roles in several successful restaurant and retail companies led to his appointment to president and COO.

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He said: “As Steak and Ale reemerges as the leader in their category, it’s critical that we continue to focus on restaurant operations. Bill’s unconditional commitment to excellence will strengthen our operations and secure our status in the eyes of our guests.”

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