Restaurant giant adds official to executive leadership team

TAMPA — Lissette Gonzalez has been named as senior vice president at Bloomin’ Brands and will oversee the company’s global supply chain.

In her new role, Gonzalez will be responsible for planning, sourcing, food safety and logistics strategies for domestic and international markets, the company says.

She will also be part of the executive team, according to a statement. “Lissette has made many important contributions to our supply chain since she joined us seven years ago,” David Deno, Bloomin’ Brands’ CEO, says in the statement.

“With her planning and forecasting expertise, coupled with her proven talent for global procurement, she ensures our operators have ample supplies, at a fair cost and on time. I also look forward to her joining the Executive Leadership Team.”

Gonzales came to Bloomin’ Brands in 2014 from Office Depot where she spent 16 years holding several positions dealing with the supply chain, including forecasting, strategy and distribution.

She was named vice president of global procurement at Bloomin’ Brands in 2019.

The company says in a statement that in that position she made changes to supply forecasting and planning that led to cost savings as well as improved cash flow and productivity.

 “In addition, Lissette has a strong track record of developing strategic relationships both internally and externally with supplier and distribution partners,” the company says.

Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brand got its start in 1988 with Outback Steakhouse. The company now operates Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Aussie Grill by Outback. 

According to its website, the company employs 93,000 people at 1,450 restaurants worldwide. It posted $3.17 billion in revenue in 2020.