The Cheesecake Factory has been publicly traded since 1992, so no single person or entity controls it outright — but founder David Overton has remained Chairman and CEO continuously since incorporation, making him one of the longest-tenured founder-CEOs in American casual dining. He’s also the company’s largest individual shareholder.
Overton, now 79, co-founded the company with his parents Oscar and Evelyn Overton, opening the first restaurant in Beverly Hills in 1978 based on his mother’s cheesecake recipes. He remains actively involved in 2026, having recently received new restricted and performance-based stock awards vesting through 2031, while also periodically selling shares — including a roughly $6.3 million sale in May 2026.
Quick Facts
| Company | The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated |
|---|---|
| Ticker | NASDAQ: CAKE |
| Chairman & CEO | David Overton (since 1992 incorporation) |
| Founded | 1978, Beverly Hills, California |
| Public Since | 1992 |
| Controlling Owner | None — public company; Overton is largest individual shareholder |
Ownership History
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Evelyn Overton begins selling her cheesecakes to Los Angeles restaurants from a home bakery |
| 1978 | David Overton, with parents Oscar and Evelyn, opens the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills |
| 1992 | The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated goes public on NASDAQ, with David Overton as Chairman and CEO |
| 2000s-2010s | Chain expands nationally while Overton retains both top executive roles for decades, unusual longevity for a public-company founder-CEO |
| 2026 | Overton, at 79, continues as Chairman and CEO, receiving long-term stock awards vesting through 2031 while periodically selling shares |
Key Ownership Highlights
- David Overton’s more than 45 years in the combined Chairman-and-CEO role is exceptionally rare for a public restaurant company — most founder-CEOs either step back sooner or the company changes hands through acquisition.
- Stock awards vesting as far out as 2031 suggest the board expects Overton’s involvement to continue for years yet, even at his current age.
- Despite being a public company with no controlling shareholder, Overton’s continuous leadership since the brand’s founding gives it unusual founder-driven continuity compared to peers.
FAQ
Who owns The Cheesecake Factory?
No single owner — it’s a public company. Founder David Overton remains Chairman and CEO and is the largest individual shareholder.
Is David Overton still involved with The Cheesecake Factory?
Yes. As of 2026, at age 79, he continues as Chairman and CEO, with stock awards granted that vest through 2031.