Vicorp Now Called Paragon Restaurant Group

Vicorp Specialty Restaurants has changed its name to Paragon Restaurant Group and reorganized its management team in the wake of its agreement to acquire the Irvine-based Rusty Pelican restaurant chain.

Vicorp Specialty, formerly a subsidiary of Denver-based Vicorp Restaurants, was created in November, 1986, when its top management and the investment banking firm of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette completed a $115-million leveraged buyout.

Vicorp Specialty’s $25.7-million acquisition of Rusty Pelican, with 23 seafood restaurants, was approved by Rusty Pelican shareholders on Monday.

Vicorp Specialty agreed to change its name within a year after the leveraged buyout was completed.

Former Vicorp Restaurant executive Gordon Miles serves as Paragon’s chairman and former Vicorp executive Tom Doan is Paragon’s president.

Rusty Pelican President Randy Howatt soon will join Paragon as president of Paragon’s seafood division. Steven Wittert, Paragon’s vice president of operations, will assume the new title of president, beef dinner house division.

William Lewis, Paragon’s regional director of operations, will assume the new title of president, casual dining division.