Chris Sullivan, the innovative co-founder of a single Tampa steakhouse in 1988 that bloomed into a $3-billion global powerhouse and one of America's most-recognized brands, resigned Tuesday as CEO of Outback Steakhouse.

The brief morning announcement shuffled the executive suite at the Tampa Bay area's highest-profile corporate headquarters in what observers say was a well-planned if abrupt changing of the guard. The changes were effective immediately.

Sullivan, 57, will remain as co-chairman of the board. Bob Basham, 57, who founded the chain with Sullivan and had been the company's chief operating officer, also resigned and will serve as co-chairman.

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