Chief Executive, Cheesecake Factory
Overton was one of the originators of the “upscale casual” dining segment, opening The Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills in 1978. In September 1992, upon completion of the company’s initial public offering, he became chair of the board and chief executive of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. The Cheesecake Factory, based in Calabasas, has become a global brand with more than 200 locations across the United States and Canada, plus 34 locations operating under licensing agreements in the Middle East, Mexico, and Asia. In 2018, the company acquired Fox Restaurant Concepts and its 12 brands. Today, The Cheesecake Factory Inc. operates 337 restaurants under brands including The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia and Flower Child.