Ascent Hospitality Management, parent company of Huddle House and Perkins American Food, has named Paul Damico as CEO, with immediate effect.

Damico has been tasked with guiding the company’s next phase of growth and modernisation while continuing support for franchisees.

He will also assess opportunities to broaden portfolio of Ascent through acquisitions of brands that align with its strategy, vision and values.

Damico said: "Hospitality is in my DNA and I am invigorated by the opportunity to work with our franchisees and the Ascent team to drive growth of Huddle House and Perkins, two beloved family dining brands.

"I look forward to cultivating a culture of innovation and teamwork at these iconic brands, ensuring our guests' needs remain the top priority."

Damico has more than 40 years of experience in the food and beverage and hospitality sectors, with a focus on multi-brand operations.

His previous roles include CEO at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Global Franchise Group and Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, as well as several senior leadership positions at Focus Brands, which is currently known as GoTo Foods.

He is a certified franchise executive (CFE) of the International Franchise Association and serves on the National Restaurant Association Fast Casual Industry Council board.

Ascent, which was established to acquire and reinvigorate brands, currently operates around 600 locations across the US and Canada.

Its dining brands Huddle House and Perkins have each served breakfast and all-day menus for more than six decades.

Earlier in April, Ascent named Blain Shortreed as chief operating officer (COO), a role that covers operations, strategic growth and franchisee support for both Huddle House and Perkins.