BROOMFIELD, Colo — CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Group, Inc., the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country, announced today the appointment of Sarah Stephensonto the position of Chief Human Resources Officer. Stephenson, who most recently served as vice president of human resources at The Laclede Group, Inc., will report directly to Srinivas Kumar, CraftWorks Restaurant & Breweries’ chief executive officer. She joined the company as of August 10, 2015 and will be based in the company’s headquarters in Broomfield, Colo.
In her new role, Stephenson will lead CraftWorks’ human resources for each of the restaurant groups across the U.S. She will oversee all aspects of human resources management and industry relations policies, practices and operations for the company.
Before joining CraftWorks’, Stephenson served in several key HR leadership roles at consumer-driven companies including Caleres (formerly known as Brown Shoe Company), Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc., and Boston Market. At Caleres, she led the strategy, design and delivery for multiple programs for 10,000+ employees. With two decades of experience, Stephenson brings in-depth HR experience supporting large organizations.
“Sarah is a terrific addition to the CraftWorks’ team,” said Srinivas Kumar, chief executive officer, CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Group, Inc. “One of our core values at CraftWorks is People First and with Sarah’s expertise in the human resources industry it will help our company grow to the next level. I look forward to Sarah’s strategic insight as she assumes responsibility for our most important asset – our people.”
CraftWorks, with nearly 200 company-owned and franchised locations nationwide, operates the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants, Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and ChopHouse & Brewery, as well as other regional restaurant brands including Big River Grille, Bluewater Grille, A1A Ale Works, Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill and Seven Bridge Grille & Brewery. As a portfolio company, each restaurant brand is unique in its culinary approach, as well as in the craft beers that it brews and offers in its restaurants. For more information on CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.
About CraftWorks
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc. is the largest craft brewery restaurant operator in the country with nearly 200 franchised and company-owned restaurants primarily operating under the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants and Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries brands. As a leader in the casual dining segment, CraftWorks also operates strong regional brands, including ChopHouse and Big River, and employs more than 12,000 people throughout the U.S. All of CraftWorks’ restaurant brands have innovative menus with made-from-scratch food and a vast selection of unique craft beer, as well as unbeatable service and loyalty programs that tout over a half-million active members. Based in Broomfield, Colo., CraftWorks is not only committed to serving its loyal guests, but also the communities in which its restaurants operate. In 2000, the CraftWorks Foundation was formed and has contributed millions of dollars, positively impacting communities throughout the country. For additional information about CraftWorks, the foundation and its craft brewery restaurant brands, please visit www.craftworksrestaurants.com.