Latest Restaurant Leadership Changes from Bar Louie, Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, Chester’s Chicken, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, East Coast Wings + Grill, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Mo’ Bettahs, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Pepper Lunch, RAVE Restaurant Group, Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, Wild Eggs
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Announces Jennifer Schuler as New CEO
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a leading operator and franchisor serving handcrafted ice cream since 1945, recently announced Jennifer Schuler as its new Chief Executive Officer. Schuler is a highly seasoned executive with extensive marketing and franchise experience. She is taking the helm of a nearly 130-store and growing brand with more than 65 franchisees.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Appoints Previous Director of Franchise Operations as New Chief Operating Officer
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the laid-back full-service seafood restaurant franchise with 19 units across the country, announced that Sarah Meriam has been promoted to chief operating officer. The promotion fills the role vacated in late 2022 due to the retirement of the previous COO.
Chester’s Chicken Hires Industry Veteran Bill Rice as Executive Vice President
Chester’s Chicken, the fresh fried chicken quick-service restaurant concept with over 1,300 active franchised and licensed locations across the U.S., welcomes Bill Rice to the executive team as EVP, Head of Sales, Operations and Supply Chain. Rice joins Chester’s after a short retirement preceded by nearly four decades of experience in foodservice supply chain management, most recently as a senior vice president at Krispy Krunchy Foods, LLC.
Wild Eggs Welcomes Return of Co-Founder JD Rothberg as Senior Vice President of Operations
Wild Eggs, a favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, announces the return of one of its founders – JD Rothberg, who assumes the role of Senior Vice President of Operations. With his homecoming, Rothberg pledges to elevate Wild Eggs into the premiere breakfast place, emphasizing the importance of high-quality food, company culture and unparalleled service.
Andrew Dimatteo Named Operations Manager for Cannoli Kitchen Pizza
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, the growing pizzeria brand known for fresh Italian favorites made with authentic recipes, has named restaurant executive Andrew DiMatteo as its Operations Manager. Cannoli Kitchen Pizza is a part of United Franchise Group (UFG), a family of affiliated brands and consultants whose members have access to a global network and nearly four decades of experience in the franchising industry and is among the concepts included in UFG’s food division, Big Flavor Brands.
Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group Welcomes Veteran Duo as Regional Vice Presidents of Operations
Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, the home of the New Orleans-style brunch, has welcomed Derek Kamarata and Michael McBride as regional VP of Operations in respective territories. With more than 30 cumulative years of specialized restaurant industry experience, the expert duo will drive operational performance for the brand, focusing on providing effective solutions, generating growth and enhancing customer satisfaction for guests.
Mo’ Bettahs Appoints CFO as It Gears up for Next Chapter of Growth
It’s mo’ growth ahead for Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food. In preparation for unprecedented expansion, the popular Hawaiian BBQ concept has added to its C-suite and named Clay Hansen its Chief Financial Officer. Hansen joins Mo’ Bettahs with experience in finance, IT, marketing and strategy – both in and outside of the F&B industry.
RAVE Restaurant Group Appoints CFO and Bolsters Executive Team to Accelerate Growth
RAVE Restaurant Group announced a strategic reshaping of its executive team. These appointments represent a significant upgrade to the leadership team, signaling investors and franchisees alike that the company is focused on the continued expansion and development of its Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza brands.
Bar Louie Names New Executives to Strengthen Franchising Activities and Continue Rapid Growth
With a focus on advancing and enhancing its franchise development efforts, Bar Louie – America’s #1 Happy Hour spot – has announced a pair of top-shelf hires poised to drive and elevate the brand’s franchising efforts. Brian DeHart will assume the role of Vice President of Franchise Operations, and Steve Culbert has joined as Vice President of Franchise Sales and Administration.
Pepper Lunch Bolsters Executive Team with Leading Franchise Growth and Real Estate and Development Executives
Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with more than 500 locations in 15 countries, has tapped franchise sales executive, Paul Tran, as its Vice President of Franchise Development, and Dana Hathaitham as its Vice President of Real Estate and Development.
Seasoned Restaurant-Industry Executive Carol Denembo Proudly Named Chief Marketing Officer at Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, has proudly named longtime foodservice marketing executive and experienced restaurant-industry leader Carol DeNembo as Chief Marketing Officer.
East Coast Wings + Grill Gears Up for Next Level of Growth with Hiring of VP of Marketing, Ashley Mitchell
As part of their deliberate development strategy, East Coast Wings + Grill, a casual dining restaurant franchise, has taken the next step in their growth with the hiring of Ashley Mitchell as Vice President of Marketing. With decades of consumer marketing experience with world-class brands, Mitchell will help drive the new and updated 5-year growth strategy while continuing to elevate brand awareness, local store marketing and lead generation.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Welcomes Jessica Crouch As Director of Field Marketing
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, a celebrated name in home-style fresh, never frozen fried chicken for over 55 years, recently announced Jessica Crouch as the new Director of Field Marketing. Crouch will lead marketing efforts for Lee’s corporate-owned units and continue to build out local store marketing resources for the field. She will report to Vice President of Marketing Dan Sokolik.
Dickey’s Barbecue Hires New Director of R & D: Chef Matt Burton
In October of 2023, accomplished chef Matthew Burton continued his industry career by joining Dickey’s Restaurant Brands, Inc. as their Director of R&D and Corporate Executive Chef. With nearly 30 years of notable performance, chef Matthew Burton brings his extensive knowledge of flavors and culinary creativity to the world’s largest barbecue brand.
