In March, John Kelly joined Plano, Texas-based Homestyle Dining LLC as Vice President of Marketing to lead the marketing, advertising and communications efforts of the company’s Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouse family dining concepts. He will report directly to CEO Tom Sacco. This comes at a time when the company embarks on a rebranding program that will include a culinary revitalization, a refreshed look and a renewed effort on franchise growth. Kelly brings experience in both restaurant operations and agency-side experience.  Most recently, he served as Director of Marketing for Paciugo Gelato Caffe, a chain of Italian gelato and gelato-inspired offerings in 44 units in 16 states, where he helped reposition the company’s marketing and branding efforts to support the chain’s evolution and growth. Prior to that, Kelly has held senior branding and marketing positions at Bar Louie and Pizza Inn and served on the marketing team of Panera Bread.  Homestyle Dining owns, operates and franchises over 200 family-focused restaurants throughout the United States and internationally under the Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse brands. In late 2013, Sacco launched the comprehensive rebranding initiative with plans to integrate the enhancements system wide this year.

Homestyle Dining LLC – 3701 W. Plano Pkwy., Suite 200, Plano, Texas 75075 (972/244-8900 www.ponderosasteakhouses.com & www.bonanzasteakhouses.com)