P.F. Chang’s CEO on how to jumpstart a struggling chain

P.F. Chang’s CEO on how to jumpstart a struggling chain

From Take-Away with Sam Oches by Nation's Restaurant News

March 10, 2026 · 41 min

About this episode

Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang’s, discusses strategies for revitalizing a struggling restaurant chain.

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang’s, a pan-Asian bistro concept that has grown to about 200 locations in 30-plus years. P.F. Chang’s has experienced a lot of turnover in the C-Suite recently, and the business has clearly suffered for it; sales have been trending down the past couple of years. Jim was hired late last year to help lead a turnaround, and he brought a sterling resume with him: He’s spent three-plus decades in full service, including stops at SPB Hospitality, TGI Fridays, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Jim joined the podcast to talk about the early wins in his first few months on the job and about what his past experiences have taught him about jumpstarting restaurant companies. In this conversation, you’ll find out why: Talent walks in your door every single day Restaurant turnarounds start with employees Your own off-premises business may be getting in your way Holidays offer the perfect spark to jumpstart a brand Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com .

People in this episode

Host: Sam Oches

Guest: Jim Mazany

Topics covered

  • restaurant turnaround
  • leadership
  • employee engagement
  • business strategy
  • sales growth

Keywords

  • P.F. Chang’s
  • restaurant turnaround
  • C-Suite turnover
  • employee engagement
  • sales decline

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: P.F. Chang’s, SPB Hospitality, TGI Fridays, Joe’s Crab Shack

More episodes of Take-Away with Sam Oches

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Take-Away with Sam Oches podcast page.