DALLAS, TEXAS — Chris Morris has been named president and chief executive officer of Main Event Entertainment, effective March 26. Main Event, a subsidiary of Ardent Leisure, operates restaurants that also include bowling lanes and arcade games.

Mr. Morris joins Main Event from California Pizza Kitchen (C.P.K.), where he was most recently president since September 2013. Prior to C.P.K., he was executive vice-president and chief financial officer for On the Border restaurants, and before that he was executive vice-president, c.f.o. and treasurer for CEC Entertainment, owner and operator of Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurants. Earlier in his career, Mr. Morris was manager of capital planning and analysis for Applebee’s restaurants.

“The board is delighted with the appointment of Chris Morris after an extensive search process,” said Gary Weiss, chairman of Ardent Leisure. “He brings to the business excellent executive leadership experience with a significant understanding of family restaurant and entertainment operations, and we look forward to his commencement in March.”

Once Mr. Morris takes the helm of Main Event, Darin Harper, who has served as interim c.e.o., will return to his role as c.f.o.

Founded in 1998, Main Event Entertainment operates 38 restaurants across the United States and has four new locations under construction.