Douglas N. Comings is a seasoned executive in the restaurant industry, currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Brinker International Inc. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and operations management, Comings began his career in the food service sector after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He started as a restaurant manager at a regional chain, quickly advancing through roles that honed his skills in supply chain optimization, team leadership, and customer experience enhancement. His early tenure included spearheading turnaround strategies for underperforming locations, where he implemented innovative cost-control measures that boosted profitability by 15% across multiple outlets. Throughout his career, Comings has been recognized for his strategic vision and operational excellence. Before joining Brinker International in 2015, he held key positions at several national restaurant brands, including as Vice President of Operations for a fast-casual chain, where he led the expansion into new markets, resulting in a 20% increase in annual revenue. His achievements include receiving the Hospitality Industry Leadership Award in 2018 for his work in sustainable sourcing practices and employee development programs. At Brinker, Comings has played a pivotal role in navigating the company through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing digital ordering systems and contactless services that maintained customer loyalty and drove a rebound in sales. In his current role as SVP and COO of Chili’s, Comings oversees daily operations for over 1,000 locations worldwide, focusing on menu innovation, operational efficiency, and brand growth. He is instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, leading initiatives that have improved employee retention rates and guest satisfaction scores. Under his leadership, Chili’s has expanded its international footprint and embraced technology-driven solutions, positioning the brand as a leader in casual dining. Comings is also active in industry associations, advocating for workforce training and sustainability in the restaurant sector.