Scott Barnett, founding president and CEO of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants, on Monday announced his resignation. He had been at the helm of the casual seafood chain since its inception in 1996.
“It was a difficult decision,” said Barnett. “The team here has achieved great results, particularly in the last couple of years. The people who work here are second to none in the industry.”
The San Clemente, Calif., company operates 22 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants in the United States and has 11 franchise or joint-venture locations in other countries.
Bubba Gump VPs Tim Busald and Gail Taggart will handle daily operations over the coming weeks. The company did not provide a timetable for replacing Barnett.
Barnett was responsible for the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants and Markets, The Mai Tai Bar nightclubs, Capi’s Italian Kitchen and The Newport Beach Rusty Pelican.
“Scott is the most gifted restaurant executive I’ve met,” said Gordon Miles, Bubba Gump chairman. “We’re extremely sorry to see him go.”