# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001546417
**File Stem:** 0001546417-25-000107
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 18323
**Document Hash:** dd5b650c0f6c0d385750c7998f1ae30e
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001546417-25-000107.hdr.sgml**: 20250804

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001546417-25-000107

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 15

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250804

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Regulation FD Disclosure

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250804

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250804

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Bloomin' Brands, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001546417
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 208023465
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1228

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-35625
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251178304

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 2202 NORTH WEST SHORE BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** TAMPA
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 33607
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 813-282-1225

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 2202 NORTH WEST SHORE BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** TAMPA
- **STATE:** FL
- **ZIP:** 33607

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? blmn-20250804

    

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

Washington, D.C. 20549

**FORM 8-K** 

**CURRENT REPORT**

**PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) **August 4, 2025**![blmnlogov3.jpg](blmn-20250804_g1.jpg)

**BLOOMIN' BRANDS, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **001-35625** | **20-8023465** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer<br>Identification No.) |

---

**2202 North West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500, Tampa, FL 33607** 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code **(813) 282-1225** 

**N/A**

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| **Common Stock** | **$0.01 par value** | **BLMN** | **The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC** <br>**(Nasdaq Global Select Market)** |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

    

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**Item 5.02**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers**

On August 4, 2025, the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (the "Company"), issued a press release (the "Organizational Press Release") announcing updates to its leadership structure and team. The Organizational Press Release outlines certain changes to management roles and responsibilities under the leadership of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Spanos. A copy of the Organizational Press Release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Under the leadership structure, Eric Christel is appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-Elect ("CFO-Elect"), effective August 4, 2025. Mr. Christel will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company following a brief transition period, expected to conclude on or about September 8 (the "Effective CFO Date"). In the interim period, Mr. Christel will work closely with W. Michael Healy, the Company's current Executive Vice President and CFO, to ensure a smooth and effective transition of responsibilities.

Mr. Christel joins the Company from The Campbell's Company, where he served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Snacks Division since January 2022. From January 2020 until January 2022, Mr. Christel was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Americas Region, of DENTSU, a global marketing services holding company at which he led the finance team across US, Canada, and Latin America, and from October 2007 through January 2020, he held several financial management roles with PEPSICO. He brings nearly 18 years of financial leadership experience across the food and beverage industry.

In connection with his appointment, the Company executed a letter agreement with Mr. Christel, providing for a base salary of $600,000, annual short-term incentive plan bonus opportunity of 85% of his base salary (pro-rated for 2025), an initial equity award with a grant date value of $415,000 in the form of restricted stock units and a cash relocation allowance of $250,000. A copy of the Offer Letter with Mr. Christel will be filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending June 29, 2025.

There are no family relationships between Mr. Christel and any director or executive officer of the Company, and there are no related party transactions involving Mr. Christel that are reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

The Company also announced that Mr. Healy will be transitioning to the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation, effective as of the Effective CFO Date.

Mr. Healy will continue to serve as CFO during a transition period and facilitate the handover of responsibilities to the Company's new CFO as needed thereafter.

In the new role as EVP, Strategy & Transformation, Mr. Healy will be responsible for leading the Company's strategic planning, business transformation initiatives, and long-term value creation efforts. Mr. Healy will continue to report directly to Michael Spanos.

Mark Graff, Executive Vice President and President of Bonefish Grill, will be departing the Company, effective November 1, 2025.

In connection with his departure, Mr. Graff will be entitled to severance benefits consistent with the terms of the Company's previously disclosed severance policy applicable to executive officers and his equity award agreements. The material terms were described in the Company's most recent proxy statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2025.

Mr. Graff's departure is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies, or practices.

**Item 7.01&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulation FD Disclosure**

On August 4, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing a series of senior leadership changes. A copy of the press release is furnished with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.

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**Item 9.01&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Statements and Exhibits**

(d) Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Exhibit <br><u>Number</u> | <br><u>Description</u> |
| 99.1 | <u>[Press release issued by the Company on August](ex991-pressreleasexorganiz.htm)[4](ex991-pressreleasexorganiz.htm)[, 202](ex991-pressreleasexorganiz.htm)[5](ex991-pressreleasexorganiz.htm)</u> |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

---

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**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | | **BLOOMIN' BRANDS, INC.** |
| | | | (Registrant) |
| Date: | August 4, 2025 | By: | /s/ Kelly Lefferts |
|  |  |  | Kelly Lefferts |
|  |  |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![blmnlogov3a.jpg](blmnlogov3a.jpg) | NEWS | **Exhibit 99.1** |
| ![blmnlogov3a.jpg](blmnlogov3a.jpg) |  |  |
| ![blmnlogov3a.jpg](blmnlogov3a.jpg) | Kelly Lefferts |  |
| ![blmnlogov3a.jpg](blmnlogov3a.jpg) | Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary |  |
| ![blmnlogov3a.jpg](blmnlogov3a.jpg) | (813) 830-4161 |  |

---

**Bloomin' Brands Announces Leadership Changes**

TAMPA, Fla (August 4, 2025) – Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLMN) today announced a series of senior leadership appointments designed to build capability to support the company's ongoing business turnaround, focusing on the Outback Steakhouse brand.

"The Bloomin Brands leadership team has broad operational and restaurant experience across diverse consumer facing businesses. As we reinvigorate sales and profit growth in our restaurants, our leaders are committed to our founder's values of leading growth that is enabled by our people with a passion for guest hospitality," said Mike Spanos, Chief Executive Officer. "These organizational updates enhance our bench strength, creating a more effective team that is committed to operational excellence."

**<u>Executive Appointments & Transitions</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Eric Christel** joins Bloomin' Brands today, as **Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer-Elect**. Following a transition period concluding on or about September 8, 2025, he will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. During this time, Christel will collaborate closely with the current CFO, **Michael Healy**, to ensure a smooth and effective transition of responsibilities.

Christel brings nearly two decades of financial leadership across the food and beverage sector, including his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Campbell's Company's Snacks Division and several leadership roles at PepsiCo from 2007 to 2020. Christel has extensive operating, FP&A, strategy, and transformation experience in complex businesses including both franchisee and franchisor models.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Upon conclusion of the CFO transition, **Michael Healy** will assume the newly created role of **Executive Vice President, Strategy & Transformation**, where he will lead the strategic initiatives central to Bloomin' Brands' turnaround efforts, prioritizing Outback. Healy is a 16-year veteran of Bloomin Brands, possessing broad experience across operating and corporate finance, supply chain, and brand leadership roles. Healy will also lead our revenue management team. He will be supported by **Susan Cline**, recently promoted to **Group Vice President, Strategy & Transformation**, effective August 4, 2025. Cline's 30 years of restaurant operations experience includes frontline and Managing Partner roles at Outback, as well as leadership roles at our Restaurant Support Center. Her excellent project management skills and restaurant operating experience will be critical as we execute the Outback turnaround.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Jessica Mitory** will join the Company on August 11, 2025, as **Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer** overseeing human resources, compensation and benefits, recruiting, employee development, and performance management. Mitory brings over 15 years of HR leadership across frontline operating and corporate functions, most recently serving as SVP, Global Total Rewards & Employee Experience at Advance Auto Parts and prior to that with Pepsi Beverages North America. She has worked in operating businesses in both company owned and franchise operations her entire career, including leading organizations through business transformations while enhancing the employee value proposition.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Ali Charri** has been appointed **Senior Vice President, Guest Insights and Analytics**, effective immediately, to lead the company's strategic and marketing brand positioning, guest insights and analytics, and our digital capabilities. Charri has more than 20 years of experience in consumer insights, strategy, and marketplace analytics across restaurants and consumer-facing brands. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Insights at Darden Restaurants. He will lead the brand positioning of our brands within our portfolio in partnership with the brand marketing teams.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• As previously announced, **Rafael Sanchez** joined the Company on June 30, 2025, as **Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer**. Sanchez has over 25 years of IT leadership experience spanning the restaurant, retail, hospitality, and entertainment industries. His extensive background will be instrumental in integrating our technology to make the guest experience faster and easier while also helping our team members to work more effectively. Sanchez served previously as the CIO of Six Flags, CIO of Feld Entertainment, and most recently as SVP, Information Technology of Davidson Hospitality Group.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Randy Scruggs** has been promoted to **Senior Vice President, Supply Chain**. Scruggs has two decades of experience in the food industry, most recently as the Company's VP Supply Chain. Scruggs and his team have demonstrated noteworthy expertise in sourcing and logistics with a commitment to operational and quality excellence. Under his leadership, he and his team have delivered consistent productivity improvements while improving our product specifications.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Tara Kurian** has been promoted to **Senior Vice President, IR, FP&A, and International**. Formerly Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations, Kurian will take on expanded international responsibilities. In addition, Kurian will partner with Healy and the Strategy Transformation team as the primary finance support in strategic projects and annual planning. Kurian has deep financial expertise, banking, and business acumen to position her well to excel in this role.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **John Bettin** will join the Company September 2, 2025, as Senior Vice President, President of Bonefish Grill. Bettin is a veteran hospitality executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant industry, starting as a Sous Chef. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Miller's Ale House, and was CEO of The Palm Restaurant Group, and Tavistock Restaurant Collection. His strategic leadership, operational acumen, and guest centricity are well suited as we develop our future strategic plan for Bonefish Grill.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Mark Graff**, the Company's current EVP and President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining will depart the Company November 1, 2025.

"On behalf of our Board and the entire organization, I want to thank Mark for his years of dedicated service," said Spanos. "His leadership helped shape our company's success and laid the foundation for the future of our brands."

**<u>Brand and Corporate Leadership</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The remainder of our brand leadership remains unchanged, with **Patrick Hafner**, **Kelia Bazile**, and **Sheilina Henry** continuing to lead Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, respectively. **Kelly Lefferts** remains in her position as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and **Lissette Gonzalez** remains in her positions as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer.

"As we look to shape Bloomin' Brands' future, our priorities are to simplify the business and consistently deliver a great guest experience while balancing our longer-term priorities to turnaround Outback and drive sustainable sales and profit growth, and realigning our leadership team is a critical step in strengthening operational focus, agility, and accountability," said Spanos.

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Additional information regarding the background and experience of our leadership team is available on our website in the "Our Company – Executive Leadership Team" section.

**<u>Investor Information</u>**

As previously announced, the Company will release results for the fiscal second quarter ended June 29, 2025, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at approximately 6:30 AM EST, which will be followed by a conference call to review its financial results at 8:00 AM EST the same day. The call will be webcast live from the Company's website at http://www.bloominbrands.com under the Investors section. A replay of this webcast will be available on the Company's website after the call.

**<u>About Bloomin' Brands, Inc.</u>**

Bloomin' Brands, Inc. is one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. The Company's restaurant portfolio includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. The Company owns, operates and franchises more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 12 countries. For more information, please visit <u>bloominbrands.com</u>.

-END-

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