RIDGEFIELD, Conn., May 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (Nasdaq:CHEF), a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States, today announced the appointment of John D. Austin as its chief financial officer, effective July 1, 2012. Ken Clark, the Company's current chief financial officer, will be named special advisor to the chief financial officer, as of July 1, 2012, and will remain with the Company until March 6, 2013.

"Since becoming a public company, John has been an incredible resource as a member of our board of directors and chairman of our audit committee," said Christopher Pappas, chief executive officer of The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. "We believe that he will be an excellent addition to the executive leadership team, and his prior experience in the foodservice sector will complement our management team very well."

"I'm looking forward to joining The Chefs' Warehouse team and helping the Company build on their success," said John D. Austin.

Since July 2011, John D. Austin has been a member of the Company's board of directors, as well as chair of the audit committee and a member of the Company's compensation committee, roles that he stepped down from effective May 24, 2012.

Mr. Austin brings over 23 years of financial-related experience. He joins The Chef's Warehouse from the Hilb Group where, since 2009, he has served as chief financial officer. Prior to joing the Hilb Group, Mr. Austin served in progressively more responsible financial capacities with Performance Food Group Company, including serving as PFG's chief financial officer for the six years leading up to PFG's sale to a consortium of private equity sponsors in May 2008. Prior to joining PFG, Mr. Austin spent four years as the assistant controller for General Medical Corporation, a Richmond-based distributor of medical supplies. He spent the first six years of his career in public accounting, primarily with the Richmond office of Deloitte & Touche.

"We would like to thank Ken for his contribution to the Company and appreciate him staying on board to assure a smooth transition," commented Christopher Pappas, chief executive officer of The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.

About The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.

The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (http://www.chefswarehouse.com) is a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States focused on serving the specific needs of chefs who own and/or operate some of the nation's leading menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools and specialty food stores. The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. carries and distributes more than 16,700 products to more than 9,800 customer locations throughout the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding the Company's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to, the delayed start date for Mr. Austin's employment. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made.

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