Goronkin finds spot as Redstone Grill CEO

An unexpected resignation at a local restaurant company this week left the future of one of the younger CEOs in the state in doubt. Now there's an explanation.

David Goronkin, 44, who built Famous Dave's from about 80 locations to 157 over the past four years, will take over at Redstone American Grill as president and CEO, according to the founder of Redstone.

"I've been working on the deal for about six months," said Dean Vlahos, who will serve as Redstone CEO until Jan. 7. "David Goronkin is one of the best CEOs in the country."

The move invites plenty of speculation. Redstone has a mere four locations, with plans to open a fifth early next year.

Vlahos said he's been perfecting his concept since opening the first Redstone in Minnetonka in 1999. Now, with Goronkin on board, the company plans a major expansion, Vlahos said.

"He has the talents to take this thing from six to 100 [locations]," said Vlahos, who notched his belt in the restaurant industry as the founder of the original Champps.

Vlahos has assembled a roster of well-known Minnesota executives on his board, including Tom Petters, Lyle Berman and Allan Hickok, managing director of the restaurant group at investment bank Houlihan Lokey.