New Orleans, LA (August 25, 2008) – Emeril’s Homebase, Chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant company, today announced promotions and new executives. David McCelvey has rejoined the company as VP Operations and Culinary, and Doug Doran has been hired as Director of Operations for the Florida restaurants.

David McCelvey rejoins the company as Vice President of Operations and Culinary. In his new role, he will oversee the team of chefs and regional directors at the company’s ten restaurants. McCelvey came to Emeril’s in 1991 as a chef and has worked with Chef Emeril for over 15 years. Serving as Director of Culinary Operations for over seven years, he assisted with the development of restaurants in New Orleans, Florida, Las Vegas and Gulfport, Mississippi. In 2007, he took on a role at Chipotle Mexican Grill’s corporate headquarters in Denver, before returning to New Orleans in July 2008.

Additionally, Doug Doran assumes the position of Director of Operations for Lagasse’s three Florida restaurants (Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, Emeril’s Orlando and Emeril’s Miami Beach). Prior to coming to Emeril’s, Doran spent over 11 years at Darden Restaurants. He was the Senior Director of Operations for Seasons 52 and Bahama Breeze, and played a large role in the development, roll-out and expansion of those brands.

“Dave first joined me in the kitchen at Emeril’s many years ago and helped us build the foundation of our restaurants,” says Emeril Lagasse, founder and CEO. “With Chef Dave back on board, and a seasoned professional like Doug Doran joining our team, we will continue to provide the best in hospitality and fine dining to our guests.”

Emeril’s Homebase is located in downtown New Orleans and houses Lagasse’s restaurant operations, as well as culinary, a test kitchen for recipe development, marketing, public relations, finance, and a store front for Lagasse’s signature products.

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