Randy Howatt, former president of the Irvine-based...

Randy Howatt, former president of the Irvine-based Rusty Pelican restaurant chain, has been named president of the seafood division of Paragon Restaurant Group of San Diego in the wake of Paragon’s acquisition of Rusty Pelican.

The $25.7-million acquisition of Rusty Pelican, with 23 seafood restaurants, was approved by Rusty Pelican shareholders on Monday. Paragon was formerly known as Vicorp Specialty Restaurants.

In other executive changes, former Vicorp executive Gordon Miles has been appointed chairman of Paragon and Tom Doan has been named president of the firm.