GRAPEVINE: News About People

Henry Gonzalez was promoted to division president, Northeast Division, McDonald's USA, Oak Brook, Ill., effective Aug. 1. Previously, Gonzalez served as senior vice president and restaurant support officer in the Northeast Division where he was responsible for franchising, restaurant development, purchasing, operations, training and the conversion of the Roy Rogers restaurant sites in this division. He succeeds Alan D. Feldman who was promoted to president of McDonald's domestic operations in April.

Toppers Brick Oven Pizza, Inc., Willow Grove, Pa., appointed Walter J. Fraczek as chief financial officer. Toppers distributes a pizza program which utilizes a patented compact brick oven and Toppers own pizza. The oven delivers a fully baked product in two and one half minutes.

Spaghetti Warehouse, Inc., Garland, Texas, announced Philip Ratner resigned from his positions as CEO and president in order to pursue other interests. Additionally, Ratner, resigned as chairman, but will continue as a director.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, appointed E.W. "Bill" Ingram IIl, president and chief executive officer of White Castle System, Inc., to its board. Ingram fills the seat vacated by Robert S. Wood, who retired.

Urban Juice & Soda Co. Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., appointed Irwin D. Simon, president and CEO of the Hain Food Group, Uniondale, N.Y., to its board. (See below for more Simon/Hain news.)

Technology Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., Amityville, N.Y., announced a slew of outside director nominees to serve on its board, effective at the end of the month. Director Nominees are: Sean Deson, senior vice president, investment banking division, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.; Bruce S. Foerster, president, South Beach Capital Markets; Werner F. Hiller, industry consultant to ConAgra, Inc.; Irwin D. Simon, president and CEO of The Hain Food Group, Inc. Also elected as members to the Expected Advisory Committee are: Andrew M. Brown, president and chief investment officer, CounterPoint Capital Management; Daniel P. DeClark, owner and developer, Beverage Flavors, Inc. and Bahia Co.; Bruce G. Seitz, sales, marketing and business development consultant for such firms as Sara Lee and Consolidated Foods Corp.

Shoney's, Inc., Nashville, Tenn., promoted Rebecca A. Fine to senior vice president of human resources and training for the family-style restaurant chain. Separately, the restaurant chain elected Raymond D. Schoenbaum as vice chairman effective immediately. Schoenbaum is the son of the late Alex Schoenbaum who was the co-founder of Shoney's. He has served on the company's board since last August.

The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) named David Gombas as senior director of processing technology and microbiology. Separately, NFPA's President and CEO John Cady was appointed to a committee advising EPA and USDA on a number of issues related to the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act.

Vermont Pure Holdings, Randolph, Vt., elected Timothy G. Fallon as chairman replacing Frank McDougall.

Ironstone Vineyards, Calaveras County, Calif., made two appointments. Craig Rous, formerly of Mondavi Woodbridge was named director of operations and planning and Andrea "A.J." Blair, formerly of Sebastiani Vineyards, was named assistant manager in charge of winemaking.

Safeway, Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., announced Julian C. Day, executive vice president and chief financial officer for the past five years, plans to leave the grocery chain. He will be succeeded by David G. Weed.