LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Effective Aug 18, W. Kent Taylor will resume the role as chief executive officer of Texas Roadhouse Inc., a position he held between May 2000 and October 2004. Before being named CEO in May 2000, he was the company's president since its founding in 1993. Taylor will also retain his positions as chairman of the company.

Taylor’s return to his prior position follows the resignation of G.J. Hart, former president, CEO and a member of the board of directors, effective Aug. 17. Hart left the company to accept the positions of president, executive chairman and CEO of California Pizza Kitchen Inc.


Scott Colosi has been named president of the company. He has been employed by the company as its chief financial officer since September 2002. G. Price Cooper IV has been named CFO. Cooper has been employed by the company as its vice president of finance since August 2006.

"I am excited to be returning to the role of CEO, and I look forward to continuing to work with Scott, Price, Steve Ortiz, our chief operating officer, Sheila Brown, our general counsel and our entire leadership team to continue driving our business forward,” Taylor said. We will all truly miss GJ. His passion and care and concern for the people of Texas Roadhouse is legendary. He will always be a Texas Roadhouse Legend, and all of us wish him and his family well in their new venture."