The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ:CAKE) today announced that it has named W. Douglas Benn as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective January 19, 2009. Mr. Benn will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Company's finance, accounting, strategic planning and investor relations functions.<br /><br />Mr. Benn is a veteran of the restaurant industry having spent more than 20 years in management roles with restaurant companies. He most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RARE Hospitality International, which owned LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille prior to the company's sale to Darden Restaurants in October 2007. During his ten years with RARE, Mr. Benn helped grow the company to over 300 units and over $1 billion in annual revenues.<br /><br />"Doug is a proven leader with an extensive background in the restaurant industry and we are delighted to have him join us," said David Overton, Chairman and CEO. "Doug brings a broad base of expertise to our company with strengths that go beyond the traditional responsibilities of a CFO. He is a strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to positively influence the growth goals and direction of a company. I'm confident that Doug will add tremendous value in helping to position our Company for healthy long-term growth. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire management team, we extend a warm welcome to Doug."<br /><br />- See more at: http://investors.thecheesecakefactory.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=109258&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1246278&highlight=#sthash.d9yfY90x.dpuf