Former Innovative Dining Group exec to lead Pacific Catch

Pacific Catch has a new CEO.

Sam Hallak will take the helm of the casual-dining seafood chain, the company announced Tuesday. He succeeds Keith Cox, the concept’s co-founder, who will remain involved as a board member.

Hallak is an industry veteran, serving most recently as chief operating officer of Innovative Dining Group, where he oversaw the portfolio that included Sushi Roku, BOA Steakhouse, Katana and more.

Before that, he spent six years at The Kitchen Restaurant Group, rising to COO there. He was also an area director at Tavistock Restaurant Collection and spent nearly a decade with The Palm Restaurant Group.

Founded initially in the Bay Area, Pacific Catch has grown to 16 units in California. The chain is owned by private-equity firm Brentwood Associates, based in Los Angeles.

Rahul Aggarwal, Brentwood Associates’ partner, said in a statement, “Sam brings the operational discipline and hospitality instincts that will help Pacific Catch reach its next phase of growth, and I am confident that he has the experience and strategic vision to lead Pacific Catch to new levels of success in the future.”