How This 34-Year-Old Became CEO Of P.F. Chang's

Damola Adamolekun, 34, became CEO of P.F. Chang's China Bistro in April 2020. When he took over, it wasn't clear what was going to happen and if the business was going to survive because that was a time when restaurants were closed due to the pandemic. "It felt like the company was under siege... But people really pulled together, chipped in, however they could, went way beyond their responsibilities. Helped the restaurants. Helped each other," Damola says.

Despite being only 34 years old, Damola says he felt comfortable with the transition to CEO due to their efforts with getting involved with digital delivery services. He felt that he was in the demographic using apps to order food for delivery.

Since the pandemic started, P.F. Chang's has increased wages, invested in PTO and in medical benefits, according to Damola. "We're just getting started... We're not at the finish line, we fixed the foundation and we're excited to grow from here on out."

00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Becoming CEO of P.F. Chang's
00:47 - Damola's Daily Routine
02:13 - Best Work So Far As CEO
02:55 - Leadership In The China Bistro
03:42 - His Favorite P.F. Chang's Entrees

Subscribe to Fortune -

Fortune Magazine is a global leader in business journalism with 55 million monthly page views and a readership of nearly 32 million, with major franchises including the Fortune 500 and the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For. The new Fortune video channel dives into personal stories from business owners and entrepreneurs becoming successful in business and sharing their tips to help you reach your goals.

#pfchangs #business #ceo

[Nuvision]

I love Restaurant concepts! And was delighted to learn about this young man while reading an article about Red Lobster today. I will be watching to see how he'll turn Red Lobster's story around. No pressure

[melvinmurphy]

He has a pretty good head on his shoulders 🔥🔥👍

[caseybott]

Their Teriyaki Chicken is incredible, always so flavorful and juicy. One of my favorite fast food items ever

[christopherarmstrong]

Great news story. Is he still the CEO?

[uberassault]

Chinese bistro with sushi? When I worked there in the early 2000’s it was good Chinese food

[manley]

P.F. Chang's new model reminds me of what "China Coast" tried back in the 90s.

[xpressfinancial]

His watch 18-karat gold Rolex Daytona 90, 000 going to raise the prices just because he bought a watch mention nothing about food quality like in the early 2000s mention nothing about the food portions being mention nothing about food quality like in the early 2000s mention nothing about the food portions being reduced verified by chefs who work in the kitchen that I know and that's just the start and the Pei Wei interior design😅

[YoLo-sqkq]

and they discriminate against an asian american doing this?

[Kurt-rgjq]

I don't like this. He comes off Ivy League/PE type. Not saying don't like him personally, but just the cookie cutter, corporate, move up the ladder feel of his life. I can already predict that he won't stay at P.F. Changs forever & after he implements the typical value-add textbook PE tactics to hit key metrics, he will pad his resume & he'll join boards & network & have recruitment agencies on their list for when they need a CEO & he'll leave P.F. Chang to be a CEO of some other company (not related to the restaurant industry; as he doesn't love restaurants). In 5-10 years I can guarantee you he will no longer be at P.F. Chang. Just don't like the unauthentic feel of it all. I grew up poor, but now work in banking w/ bunch of these type of dudes, so I know they work hard & are decent human beings, but there's a disconnect w/ them & the rest of the world.

[arihant]

Everyone should follow vegan diet for protecting our planet by saving innocent animals. And also do not use products which are animal made!. Please it's my request to Everyone.

[rosemaryreyes]

Since he is ceo why have prices gone UP and portions SMALLER use to be my favorite place to eat he said keeping wages down does that include HIS WAGES?