Bookseller names exec to head up new restaurant group

Barnes & Noble is getting serious about restaurants.



The bookseller announced it has promoted Jaime Carey, currently COO, to president of development & restaurant group, effective immediately. Carey will be responsible for overseeing the chain’s real estate development and its newly created restaurant group.



“We have a tremendous real estate portfolio and the very best real estate team in retail led by David Deason, our VP of Development,” said Ron Boire, CEO. “Jaime’s promotion underscores the importance of having a leader devoted to our new store concepts with a focus on an enhanced restaurant experience.”



As previously reported, Barnes & Noble plans to open four new concept stores, complete with a restaurant featuring an expanded menu along with beer and wine. The new format will debut in October, in Eastchester, New York, to be followed by stores at the Edina Galleria in Edina, Minn., the Palladio in Folsom, California, and One Loudon in Loudon, Virginia.



In other executive appointments, Barnes & Noble named Michael Ladd as VP of stores.



Ladd joins the company from Sears Holding Corporation, where he was senior VP, head of retail stores. He began his 24-year career at Sears as store manager in 1996, and worked his way up through the ranks to his current role where he is responsible for Sears’ entire field and home office support organization of a $13 billion retail organization with 720 stores.



Ladd, whose appointment is effective June 27, will have responsibility for Barnes & Noble’s entire retail store organization and profitable growth of the business, driving sales, training, developing talent and recruitment