Smokey Bones CEO Christopher Artinian, who spent 17 years with Morton’s The Steakhouse, spearheaded the chain’s beverage program transformation. In addition to new food and drinks, Artinian, who joined Smokey Bones in June 2012, has taken several steps to elevate the guest dining experience, including stepping up training and service and incorporating exciting events such as an enhanced Burger Battle and Celebrity Bartenders.
Orlando, FL-based Smokey Bones operates 66 locations in 17 states and employs nearly 2,300 people. The casual restaurant chain was founded as Smokey Bones Barbeque in 1999 by Darden Restaurants. It was sold in 2007 to an affiliate of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sun Capital Partners.