BJ’s Restaurants Inc., the Huntington Beach, California-based casual dining chain known for its deep-dish pizzas and proprietary brews, has promoted longtime executive Christopher P. Pinsak to executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 19, 2026. The move, disclosed in a company filing, caps more than two decades of Pinsak’s tenure at the company and signals a commitment to internal leadership stability as BJ’s navigates operational growth plans.

Pinsak, who joined BJ’s in late 2004 as regional vice president of operations, has steadily advanced through the ranks. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief restaurant operations officer since September 2024, following a stint as senior vice president of operations from January 2010 to September 2024. Before BJ’s, Pinsak held roles at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill as director of operations from November 2000 to October 2004 and at Brinker International Inc., parent of Chili’s Grill & Bar, as area director from 1987 to 2000, according to a StreetInsider report.

Pinsak’s Proven Climb Through Operations

The promotion reflects Pinsak’s deep institutional knowledge, having overseen restaurant operations during periods of expansion and refinement at BJ’s, which operates over 215 locations across 31 states. A graduate of California State University Northridge, Pinsak’s career trajectory underscores a focus on hands-on management in the competitive casual dining sector, as detailed in profiles from MarketScreener.

Shares of BJRI traded down 2% to $42.92 midday following the announcement, giving the company a market capitalization of $949 million, per the Orange County Business Journal. Investors appeared to weigh the internal promotion against broader industry headwinds, including softening consumer spending on dining out.

Strategic Timing in a Challenging Sector

BJ’s operates in a full-service restaurant segment marked by handcrafted beers, slow-roasted entrees, and signature desserts like the Pizookie. The company, founded in 1978, has pioneered craft brewing since 1996 with operations in five states and third-party brewers. Pinsak’s elevation comes as BJ’s eyes accelerated growth, planning two new restaurant openings in the second half of 2026, with further unit expansion targeted for 2027-2028, according to recent quarterly filings referenced in OTC Markets.

In its latest earnings discourse, BJ’s maintained full-year same-store sales growth guidance of approximately 2% for fiscal 2025. Management highlighted progress on strategic priorities including team member experience, handcrafted food and beverages, hospitality, and atmosphere refreshes via the EVOLVE prototype design set for pilots in 2026. CEO Lyle Tick noted in a Q2 2025 call transcript: “We’re making good progress on our prototype design to ensure that our atmosphere continues to be the most powerful manifestation of our brand DNA and brand promise,” as reported by Investing.com.

Operational Foundations for Growth

Pinsak steps into the COO role amid efforts to solidify profitability and top-line drivers. The SEC filing summarized on X by @USCorpFilings states: “This change reflects his extensive experience within the company since 2000 and signifies a strategic role enhancement without prior arrangements involving other parties.” BJ’s investor relations site emphasizes its brewhouse roots and broad menu appeal, positioning Pinsak to oversee execution as the chain refines remodel programs showing improved performance over controls.

Prior to the promotion, Pinsak was listed as executive vice president and chief restaurant operations officer on BJ’s governance pages, highlighting his oversight of core restaurant functions. His LinkedIn activity, including posts about the 2022 Gold Standard GM Conference, reveals a focus on team development: “So great to spend time with our BJ’s family,” per his LinkedIn profile.

Navigating Industry Pressures

The casual dining arena faces elevated labor costs, supply chain strains, and shifting guest preferences toward value and experience. BJ’s Q3 2025 results missed estimates but reaffirmed 2025 guidance, with next earnings slated for Feb. 11, 2026, projecting revenue around $354.24 million, per Investing.com India. Pinsak’s operational expertise, honed over 20 years, positions him to tackle these as BJ’s accelerates openings.

CEO Tick, reflecting on nine months in role during Q2 2025, stated: “I’m proud of our teams and the progress to date. We’ve made substantial improvements to our profitability… and are in a position to begin to roll out our longer term strategic initiatives and drive continued growth in 2026 and beyond.” This internal promotion aligns with that trajectory, betting on familiarity to execute amid a $993.1 million revenue base noted in employee reviews on Comparably.

Investor Eyes on Execution

With trailing total returns tracked against the S&P 500 as of Jan. 22, 2026, on Yahoo Finance, BJRI’s market performance hinges on Pinsak delivering on expansion without diluting margins. The company’s balanced approach—new units, existing enhancements, and share repurchases—relies on robust operations, now under his purview. As BJ’s refines its brand positioning, Pinsak’s track record from regional to C-suite offers continuity in a sector demanding precision.