ST. LOUIS (October 8, 2019) — Native Foods announces today the appointment of Carin Stutz as the new chief executive officer for the plant-based restaurant group. Stutz is a proven leader with an accomplished career that includes executive level roles at several national fast casual concepts. She will focus on supporting sustainable growth for Native Food’s 13 restaurant locations in California, Oregon, Colorado and Chicago.
As somewhat of a full-circle moment, Stutz studied food and nutrition in college, with a concentration on utilizing soy-based foods as protein substitutes. “It was a forward-thinking notion at the time. Now, plant-based dishes are not only popular, they are a part of the everyday eating habits of diners,” Stutz says.
Now at Native Foods, she is looking forward to applying her leadership skills and passion for plant-based dining in her role as CEO. “I look forward to helping the Native Foods team grow. This unique brand is one of the true innovators in the area of creating plant-based food choices with delicious and flavor options. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build on the culture that has been established over the last 25 years. As my own dietary choices have become more plant-based, I find Native Foods to be a great resource, beyond the ever-popular plant-based burgers. The menu’s variety and creativity result in simply delicious offerings that are loved by all.”
Robert Millstone, managing partner of Millstone Capital Advisors, the manager for the parent company for Native Foods is thrilled to have Stutz join the brand. “Carin has demonstrated the ability to build teams that embrace continuous improvement, operational excellence and an exceptional guest experience. We are confident these and her many other abilities will position Native Foods to serve more people with new stores in existing and future markets.”
Most recently, Stutz served as executive vice president and chief operating office for Red Robin where she oversaw 560 restaurants across the United States and Canada. She also served as president for McAlister’s Deli with FOCUS Brands; chief executive officer and president of Cosi; and president of Global Business Development for Brinker International, leading all operations and franchise development for 240 Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants around the globe. Prior to her work at Brinker, she was executive vice president of operations for Applebee’s International, Inc., and she also worked as vice president for the Central Division and later Pacific Division for Wendy’s International, Inc.
In addition, she has served as the past chair of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, a leading organization in the food service industry, dedicated to developing gender-diverse leadership talent. She has been recognized in Chicago’s Top 100 Women to Watch and Women Making a Difference; Texas Women Worth Watching award; received the distinguished alumni award from WIU; and is a national judge for ProStart, NRA Education Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys music, theatre, golf, and travel with her husband Rodger as well as spending time with her two sons and their families, including four grandsons.
Stutz will be leading the Native Foods team from the brand’s headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
About Native Foods: Native Foods was founded in 1994 in Palm Springs, California bringing into harmony a passion for fresh food and compassion for animals and the environment. Today, Native Foods has grown to become America’s premier fast-casual plant-based restaurant group with 13 locations in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Chicago. Serving made-from-scratch, chef-crafted cuisine to thousands of food lovers every day, Native Foods seeks to inspire the way the world eats with a 100% plant-based menu. Beloved by vegans and non-vegans alike, the menu features seasonally updated one-of-a-kind dishes, delicious desserts and homemade beverages inspired by the innovative culinary team. At Native Foods, the food is made fresh daily—from homemade tempeh and seitan to the sauces and dressings. For more information, visit www.nativefoods.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About Millstone Capital Advisors
Millstone Capital Advisors is a private equity management company dedicated to helping small to mid-sized companies grow through direct investments and strategic assistance. The company has extensive experience working with companies in a broad range of industries, including consumer products and services, information technology, health care, financial services, marketing, manufacturing, energy and insurance. Based in St. Louis, the founder and principals of Millstone Capital Advisors have a long history in philanthropy and volunteer support in the region. Their collective mission includes enhancing quality of life and economic development for the people in the companies in which they invest as well as in the communities they serve. Visit www.millstoneca.com for more information.
