The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated announced the expansion of its Board of Directors from six to seven members and appointed Edie A. Ames, to the company’s Board of Directors as an independent member, effective December 14, 2016. The addition of Ms. Ames expands the number of independent Board members from five to six. Ms. Ames also will serve on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board and will stand for election at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Edie brings 30 years of restaurant industry experience across the casual dining, fast casual and fine dining segments. Ms. Ames currently serves as President of The Counter and BUILT Custom Burgers where she oversees company-owned operations and supports the growth of its franchise businesses.