Columbia Restaurant Group unveils new CFO

Kristie Farnell has been promoted to chief financial officer at the Tampa-based Columbia Restaurant Group.

Farnell replaces the retiring Dennis Fedorovich, who has been with the company since 1995. He had originally intended to step away from his position earlier as part of a log-term succession plan but delayed the move because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farnell, who earned degrees in accounting from Florida State University, joined Columbia Restaurant Group last July. Prior to joining the fourth-generation, family owned operation, she worked as the controller at the PDQ Restaurant concern and with Walkabout Air Inc. and Navigant Consulting Inc.

“Working in the restaurant industry for the past nine years, I have heard so many great things about the Gonzmart family and their story,” Farnell says, in a statement.

Fedorovich will continue to advise the company and its board as a consultant.

“I look forward to working with the team in my new capacity,” Fedorovich says, in a statement.

Richard Gonzmart, who currently leads the Columbia Restaurant Group, had praise for both Farnell and Fedorovich.

Of Farnell, he says she has already brought “innovation and ideas” to the company.

He also lauded Fedorovich for his decision to postpone his retirement plans as the company dealt with the challenges brought about by the healthcare crisis.

“When Dennis started here in 1995, we were in a tough financial situation,” Gonzmart says, in a statement.

“He helped give me confidence in the financial numbers again, and through hard work and good planning, we were able to be successful. I wish him the best, and I’m glad he still will be available to advise and consult.”