Lucy Buffett, founder and owner of the popular LuLu’s restaurant chain, has announced Johnny Fisher as the new president and chief operating officer of the company.

Fisher, a Mobile native with deep roots in the restaurant industry, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as General Manager of LuLu’s Gulf Shores location from 2005 to 2012 according to a press release.

Buffett, known for her Gulf Coast restaurants in Gulf Shores, Destin, Florida, and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, expressed her excitement about Fisher’s return to the team.

“I am thrilled to have Johnny Fisher take the helm of LuLu’s,” commented Buffett in the release. “There is no question that he was responsible for putting our Gulf Shores LuLu’s on the map during his tenure as GM. Now, in his capacity as President and COO overseeing all my restaurants, there’s no question that he will maintain and grow our long-standing reputation and tradition as destination restaurants where families come for our unique experience, exceptional Gulf Coast food, and fun-filled, musical entertainment. This is his specialty.”

Fisher’s track record in the restaurant industry spans several decades. Before joining LuLu’s in 2005, he was Director of Restaurant Operations at the House of Blues in New Orleans, overseeing operations at the iconic music venue. Under his leadership at LuLu’s Gulf Shores, the restaurant’s sales surged ten-fold, driven by his focus on events and cultivating a family-friendly culture.

After leaving LuLu’s in 2012, Fisher co-founded The Gulf, a successful waterfront restaurant in Orange Beach, and later opened two sister restaurants: Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina and Playa. Most recently, Fisher served as Director of Florida Operations for Juan’s Flying Burrito, a New Orleans-based restaurant group.

"I am very much looking forward to this opportunity to work again with Lucy Buffett as the President and COO of her three remarkable LuLu’s waterfront restaurants and working with our talented managers and staff," Fisher said of his new posistion. "There is nothing but more positivity ahead for our guests’ dining experience at all our locations."

LuLu’s restaurants are known for their signature Gulf Coast cuisine, live music and vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere — something Fisher plans to uphold and expand in his new role.

For more information about LuLu’s restaurants, visit www.lulubuffett.com.