Monika Saxena Takes the Helm as Brand President of BJ's Restaurants, Inc.

Monika Saxena arrives at BJ's with over two decades of experience in various leadership roles, particularly in brand marketing and culinary development. Before her appointment, she served as Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing for LongHorn Steakhouse at Darden Restaurants, Inc. from 2018 to 2026. In this capacity, Saxena was instrumental in driving the brand’s success, achieving an impressive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable restaurant sales growth, consistently surpassing industry benchmarks.

Her roles have not only focused on marketing but have also encompassed culinary and beverage development, guest relations, and consumer insights, providing her with a holistic understanding of the restaurant industry. Prior to her time at LongHorn, Saxena's progressive roles at Bahama Breeze further solidified her expertise in brand strategy and consumer-focused innovation.

Lyle Tick, BJ's Chief Executive Officer and President, expressed his enthusiasm for Saxena’s appointment. “Monika’s proven track record of delivering sustainable long-term results through clear brand positioning, a relentless focus on product quality and guest experience, and the development of high-performing teams makes her an ideal addition to our leadership team,” he stated. Tick emphasized the importance of Saxena’s insights as BJ's embarks on its next phase of growth, highlighting that her contributions will be crucial in driving long-term value for shareholders.

In her acceptance statement, Saxena articulated her admiration for BJ’s unique ability to foster connections through its dining experience. “I’ve long admired BJ’s Restaurants for its unique ability to bring people together through memorable food and hospitality,” she said, referencing her personal experiences as a loyal guest. Saxena expressed her excitement to work closely with Tick and the BJ’s team, focusing on capitalizing on the tremendous opportunities ahead.

Founded in 1978, BJ's Restaurants, Inc. has grown into a national casual dining brand with over 200 restaurants across 31 states. The company is renowned for its chef-crafted menu that features signature deep-dish pizzas, slow-roasted entrees, and the famous Pizookie® dessert. As a pioneer in craft brewing since 1996, BJ's not only provides a diverse dining experience but also offers award-winning handcrafted beers brewed in-house and through partnerships with independent craft breweries.

BJ's commitment to quality, flavor, and customer service has made it a beloved destination for families, friends, and community gatherings. With various service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering, BJ's continues to cater to a wide array of customer needs.

With Monika Saxena at the helm, BJ’s Restaurants is poised for a promising future. Her strong background in brand marketing and her passion for creating memorable dining experiences align perfectly with the company’s mission of bringing people together through food and hospitality. As BJ's enters this new chapter, stakeholders and customers alike will be keen to see how Saxena's leadership will shape the company's growth trajectory and brand evolution.