Executive Movements - June 2020

On The Border Appoints New Leadership to Drive Growth

June 17, 2020

World’s largest Mexican casual dining brand adds Tim Ward as President and CEO and Bruce Vermilyea as CFO

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina today announced that it has appointed Tim Ward as president and chief executive officer and Bruce Vermilyea as chief financial officer. Both senior leaders bring broad industry expertise and a proven track record of growth.

Ward joins On The Border from The Krystal Company, where he served as president. During his tenure with Krystal, Ward improved profitability after growing sales and streamlining operations. He also served as chief operating officer of Captain D’s, where he oversaw nearly 600 restaurants and eight consecutive years of positive same-store sales. Ward held previous roles at Arby’s/RTM and NPC International/Pizza Hut.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to lead On The Border,” Ward said. “This brand has strong roots and has shown great resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. This pandemic has given us a unique opportunity to really rethink this brand and how we can best serve our loyal customers. I am encouraged by our recent sales trends and look forward to working with our dedicated team members on On The Border’s next chapter.”

Vermilyea served alongside Ward as CFO of Krystal, and has worked in multiple industry leadership roles. Most notably, Vermilyea served 18 years with Qdoba Restaurant Corporation, where he helped oversee the expansion of the brand from 25 locations to more than 750.

“Tim and Bruce have a history of working together to drive results, so we are thrilled they have agreed to lead On The Border,” said Michael A. Klump, founder and CEO of Argonne Capital Group, which owns On The Border and other multi-unit concepts. “On The Border is an iconic Mexican chain that will benefit greatly from the passion and exacting standards Tim and Bruce will bring to the organization.”

About On The Border

On The Border is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand known for generous servings of bold, “Border Style Mex”. It has become a fan favorite over the decades for its freshly prepared, ice-cold margaritas, mesquite-grilled fajitas cooked over an open flame, and never-ending chips and house-made salsa. With more than 130 restaurants in 30 states and Asia, On The Border’s friendly staff is ready to serve you in our vibrant bars, patios, and dining rooms. They are also preparing abundant meals to-go or catered for your next event. For more information, visit ontheborder.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

View source version at On The Border

LUNA GRILL NAMES RICH PINNELLA PRESIDENT

The promotion will enable founder Sean Pourteymour to focus on long-term development, the 50-unit chain said.

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 10, 2020

The Mediterranean fast-casual chain Luna Grill has promoted Taco Bell veteran Rich Pinnella to president, with responsibility for all day-to-day operations.

Pinnella, formerly chief brand officer (CBO) for the 50-unit brand, assumes the duties formerly shouldered by founder Sean Pourteymour, who retains the title of CEO. Pourteymour’s focus is shifting to long-term expansion, the company said in announcing the change.

Pinella joined Luna last summer as CBO. Earlier, he spent 20 years in the Taco Bell system, including seven as a VP and general manager.

"We knew it was time to start looking for someone to take over, but we also knew it had to be someone with the right approach, leadership style and match with the Luna Grill brand and culture,” Pourteymour said in a statement. “Rich has been nothing but impressive from the first day, and recent volatilities and the need to innovate have further showcased his leadership ability across our entire organization.”

The promotion is part of an effort by Luna to develop a management infrastructure that will support future growth. The brand also recently hired a CFO, Bob Bartlett, as well as a culinary VP, Michelle Goncalves.

Luna’s branches are concentrated in southern California and the Dallas metroplex. The chain generated systemwide sales last year of $65.7 million, according to Technomic.

View source version at Luna Grill

Farmer Boys Promotes David Wetzel to President and Chief Operating Officer

June 9, 2020

Wetzel Replaces Karen Eadon, Who Retires After 40 Years in the Restaurant Industry

Riverside, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Farmer Boys®, the farm fresh fast casual chain known for its award-winning burgers and exceptional service, has announced that David Wetzel, the current senior vice president of operations and a quick-service industry veteran, has been promoted to president and chief operating officer. The promotion comes alongside the announcement that Farmer Boys’ current President and COO, Karen Eadon, has retired after six years with the company and nearly 40 in the restaurant industry.

In his new role as President and COO, Wetzel will be responsible for driving overall brand strategy, corporate and franchised development, and restaurant performance. Wetzel joined the Farmer Boys team in January 2020 as senior vice president of operations, where he oversaw systemwide restaurant operations and field execution and helped to define the strategic direction for the Farmer Boys brand. Before joining Farmer Boys, Wetzel held executive roles at Del Taco Restaurants, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell.

“I am truly humbled and excited to be leading this legacy brand. In the last three months, I have had the great privilege to watch true leadership from Karen while we have navigated through this unprecedented challenging time for both the world and the restaurant industry,” said Wetzel. “I have big shoes to fill in this new position, but I will work fervently alongside our talented team, franchisees and suppliers to continue Farmer Boys’ calculated growth plan while building the next chapter of hospitality for Farmer Boys guests and team members.”

Eadon joined Farmer Boys in 2014 as chief marketing officer and was promoted to president and COO in 2015. Under her leadership, Farmer Boys opened 12 new restaurants, oversaw a systemwide restaurant remodeling program, improved internal systems and processes to enable the brand to scale more efficiently, implemented a back-of-house inventory and data management system, upgraded its management team and overall talent pool, and strengthened its presence and dominance as a fast casual competitor.

Eadon commented, “I have been truly blessed to have fulfilled so many dreams over the past 40 years, and I leave Farmer Boys with countless and fond memories. I have every bit of confidence in Dave’s ability to continue leading the brand in the right direction and to allow Farmer Boys to reach new guests in both new and existing markets. He has years of proven operational experience that will take Farmer Boys to new heights.”

To learn more about Farmer Boys, view their menu of farm fresh fare, or find the restaurant nearest you, visit www.farmerboys.com and follow the brand at @FarmerBoysFood on Instagram and Facebook, and @FarmerBoys on Twitter.

About Farmer Boys®

Founded in 1981, Farmer Boys® is a farm-to-table fast casual restaurant chain serving award-winning burgers and all-day breakfast, stacked sandwiches, hand-chopped salads, and signature hand-breaded zucchini sticks and onion rings. At Farmer Boys, Farm Food Ain’t Fast Food®. Farmer Boys is annually recognized with ‘Best Of’ food awards, voted by consumers who value generous portions of farm fresh food at a fair price. The burger concept has also been recognized by notable industry publications, including being named one of Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Farmer Boys currently operates restaurants in California and Nevada. For more information, visit www.farmerboys.com.

View source version at Farmer Boys

STEVE PROVOST SUCCEEDS KELLY BALTES AS MAGGIANO’S PRESIDENT

Brinker said the switch reflects a change in its management structure.

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 08, 2020

Steve Provost has been appointed president of Maggiano’s Little Italy, succeeding Kelly Baltes, according to a securities filing by parent company Brinker International.

No reason was given for Baltes’ departure, though Brinker described the change in Provost’s responsibilities as “a change in management structure.”  Baltes joined Brinker as head of Maggiano’s in July 2018 after spending most of his 30-year career in casual dining, including seven years at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Provost was previously chief concept officer and EVP of Chili’s, Brinker’s main brand. A marketer and communications specialist, Provost had served as president of Maggiano’s for an eight-plus-year stretch beginning in 2009. He left that post to become CMO and head of innovation for Chili’s as that brand was striving to win back core customers who’d been put off by tweaks in the brand’s market position.

Earlier, he spent 14 years at KFC, Yum Brand’s fried-chicken chain.

Provost briefly left the restaurant industry to serve as a speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush.

As of the week ended April 22, Chili’s restaurants had pushed their average sales back up to 57% of the pre-COVID level. Per-unit sales for Maggiano’s, in contrast, were still running 73.7% below the year-ago levels, according to a business update released by Brinker at the end of April. It has not released an update since that time.

At 53 domestic restaurants, Maggiano’s is much smaller than its 1,238-unit sister. All but one of its branches is company-operated.

View source version at Maggiano's

MUSCLE MAKER GRILL EXPANDS TEAM WITH VICE PRESIDENT OF REAL ESTATE AND NON-TRADITIONAL DEVELOPMENT

June 08, 2020 07:30 ET

Healthier for you brand hires Pat Chiacchia to lead Real Estate and Non-Traditional Development Growth

Burleson, TX, June 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Muscle Maker Grill, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRIL) the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill & Healthy Joe’s, a fast-casual concept known for serving “healthier for you” meals, today announced that it has appointed Pat Chiacchia as Vice President of Real Estate and Non-Traditional Development. Mr. Chiacchia will be responsible for expanding the company’s non-traditional pipeline that includes military bases, delivery-only ghost kitchens, and universities. He will also lead the corporate and franchise site selection process along with lease negotiations for all new locations.

A seasoned industry veteran, Mr. Chiacchia has expertise in the areas of non-traditional real estate, strategic market planning & analysis, financial modeling, site selection, contract negotiations, permitting and entitlements, and multi-unit acquisitions. In his former role as Senior Vice President of Development for UFood Restaurant Group, he developed relationships and sold franchises to non-traditional franchise operators in airports, military bases, and federal buildings. Mr. Chiacchia also brings extensive experience from his tenure with Boston Market where he served as the Vice President of Development where he developed 114 company stores in the northeast and approved over 160 franchise locations.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the continued growth at Muscle Maker Grill. The Muscle Maker Grill and Healthy Joe’s brands bring unique offerings to the table and I anticipate they will be very well received by future opportunities in the non-traditional segment” said Pat Chiacchia.

“Pat brings valuable, non-traditional development experience to the company,” said Mike Roper, Chief Executive Officer of Muscle Maker Grill. “The recent pandemic has caused the restaurant industry to think outside the box and having a dedicated Real Estate and Non-Traditional Development expert on board to seek out new opportunities is a win for both MMG brands. Pat was a contractor for Muscle Maker and helped grow our military and university presence over the past few years. Now we have Pat dedicated to Muscle Maker full time as we need experienced resources on our development team as we execute against our growth strategy.”

About Muscle Maker Grill

Founded in 1995 in Colonia, New Jersey, Muscle Maker Grill features high quality, great tasting food, freshly prepared with proprietary recipes. The menu, created with the guest’s health in mind, is lean and protein based. It features all-natural chicken, grass fed steak, lean turkey, whole wheat pasta, wraps, bowls and more. It also offers a wide selection of fruit smoothies in a variety of assorted flavors, protein shakes and supplements. For more information on Muscle Maker Grill, visit www.musclemakergrill.com.

View source version at Muscle Maker Grill

Global Franchise Group® Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

30-year financial veteran and acquisitions integration expert, Sam Patterson, joins the organization's executive team

Jun 08, 2020, 09:15 ET

ATLANTA, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Franchise Group® (GFG), the strategic brand management company and franchisor of Great American Cookies®, Hot Dog on a Stick®, Pretzelmaker®, Marble Slab Creamery® and Round Table Pizza®, has named a new Chief Financial Officer, restaurant finance veteran and acquisitions integration specialist, Sam Patterson. Patterson will provide leadership of financial strategy, forecasting, budgeting and advise on long-term business and financial planning. As the organization emerges from COVID-19 well positioned to expand, he will play a critical role in high-level management, policy and growth projections.

"At Global Franchise Group we are committed to building a best in class team and developing an industry leading shared service platform," said Paul Damico, Chief Executive Officer of GFG. "Sam is a talented and committed financial leader and as we look to grow our organization and acquire additional brands, Sam's experience in forecasting and back-office restructuring will be a tremendous asset."

Patterson comes to GFG from FOCUS Brands where he served as Senior Vice President of Accounting. For the last eleven years, he was responsible for leading financials for Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's and Jamba Juice. He directed the organization through the transfer and integration of all accounting back office functions for Auntie Anne's from Pennsylvania, McAlister's Deli from Mississippi, and Jamba Juice from Texas to Atlanta and converted a brand-centric accounting structure into a shared services organization. Before his time with FOCUS, he was Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller for Movie Gallery/Hollywood Video, Vice President and Corporate Controller for Republic National Cabinet Corporation, and Corporate Controller for Wolverine Tube, Inc. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant, holds a master's in business administration from Auburn University, and is a graduate of the University of Texas, Tyler. All of his experience is extremely relevant to the goals and direction of GFG.

"I was attracted to Global Franchise Group because of the great reputation of its family of brands, ability to innovate and strong executive team," said Sam Patterson, CFO of GFG. "The organization is full of passion and tremendous potential and I'm inspired by its people and vision for the future. I'm proud to be a part of team GFG."

Global Franchise Group's mission is to champion brands and the people who build them. It builds great brands that connect people with craveable products and memorable experiences. GFG currently supports more than 1,400 franchised and corporate stores across all brands located in 16 countries and has system wide sales close to $1 billion.

About Global Franchise Group, LLC - www.globalfranchise.com Global Franchise Group, LLC is a strategic brand management company with a mission of championing franchise brands and the people who build them. The company owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes five primary quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise concepts: Great American Cookies®, Hot Dog on a Stick®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker® and Round Table Pizza®. Global Franchise Group, LLC is an affiliate of Lion Capital LLP and Serruya Private Equity, Inc.

View source version at Global Franchise Group

Tasty Restaurant Group Names Neil Thomson Chief Financial Officer

Yum! Brands & Del Frisco's veteran joins Tasty Restaurant Group to help lead continued expansion

Jun 04, 2020, 11:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tasty Restaurant Group ("Tasty"), one of the nation's fastest-growing quick service restaurant operators, announced today the appointment of Neil Thomson as chief financial officer. Thomson is a senior finance executive with extensive experience in the quick-service restaurant industry with a track record of building teams, improving systems and processes, and delivering results within rapidly growing businesses.

"We are thrilled to welcome Neil to Tasty Restaurant Group's executive management team. We are fortunate to have attracted such a well-respected industry veteran join us, and his nearly 30 years of experience and success will prove invaluable," said Robert Rodriguez, chief executive officer of Tasty Restaurant Group. "Neil will be an incredible asset to Tasty as we continue to expand our presence in the quick-service restaurant business, and we're looking forward to his contributions."

Thomson previously served as CFO at Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, which operated 78 restaurants, across four brands. During his tenure with Del Frisco's, he led all merger and acquisition activities, including the purchase of Barteca Restaurant Group and the sale of Sullivan's Steak House. Thomson also guided Del Frisco's through a going-private transaction in 2019. Prior to Del Frisco's, Thomson spent 15 years working in various senior capacities at Yum! Restaurants International, and its affiliated brands, Pizza Hut and KFC, where, among other accomplishments, he oversaw 6,000 restaurants with system sales of $4.5 billion annually.

About Tasty Restaurant Group

Tasty Restaurant Group, LLC brings in-depth quick service restaurant leadership experience and expertise in operating, building, and exiting chain restaurant investments. Tasty provides management of portfolio companies controlled by Tasty Brands, LP. Its leadership team brings over 60 years of experience and has operated over 16,000 franchisee/franchisor locations.

View source version at Tasty Restaurant Group

Casey’s General Stores Announces Restaurant and Retail Leader Adrian Butler Joins Company As Chief Information Officer

June, 2 2020

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASY), yesterday announced that Adrian Butler has joined the company as chief information officer. This is a newly created role that will lead the effort to advance next generation technology at the fourth largest convenience retailer. Butler will report to Chief Executive Officer Darren Rebelez.

“Adrian is a proven leader and technologist with deep experience across the restaurant and retail industries that will take our technology strategy to the next level,” said Darren Rebelez, Chief Executive Officer, Casey’s General Stores. “We have a strong leadership team in place at Casey’s and I know that Adrian will contribute to delivering on our purpose and advancing our strategic plan.”

With more than 20 years of experience in information technology leadership in the retail, food service and hospitality sectors, Butler will lead all information technology (IT) strategy, innovation, modernization, and delivery at Casey’s. He most recently served as senior vice president and chief information officer at Dine Brands Global (NYSE: DIN), parent company to IHOP. In this role, he drove IT transformation and strategy and built and enhanced the organization’s digital, mobile and data capabilities.

Prior to Dine Brands, Butler spent four years at Target (NYSE: TGT), where he helped drive and deliver technology supporting the millions of guests they serve each day and their 372,000 team members, including e-commerce, mobile and infrastructure platforms.

“Casey’s is an exceptional brand with a great history. I’m excited to be joining such a strong leadership team to continue our growth trajectory and help drive the technology and guest experience that will greatly benefit those that we serve,” said Adrian Butler.

Butler, an Air Force veteran, holds a Doctor of Management from the University of Maryland, a Master of Business Administration from Embry Riddle University and a Bachelor of Science from Grambling State University.

View source version at Casey's General Stores

Denny's Appoints Gail S. Myers As General Counsel

June, 1 2020

Denny's announced today that Gail Sharps Myers will be joining the Company as General Counsel. In this role, Myers will head Denny's legal functions, reporting to John Miller, Denny's CEO.

"We are very excited to have Gail Myers join our executive leadership team and look forward to her contributions to the business," said Denny's CEO John Miller. "Ms. Myers is a welcome addition to the team and the Denny's family. We are confident that her insights and fresh perspective will be invaluable to our mission to drive growth and build long-term shareholder value for Denny's."

Prior to joining Denny's, Ms. Myers served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer for American Tire Distributors, Inc. In this role, she led the American Tire Distributor's corporate governance and compliance functions and handled matters relating to financial reporting, M&A, labor and employment, real estate, litigation, data privacy and government affairs.

Gail Myers' additional experience includes serving as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Counsel at U.S. Foods and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Snyder's-Lance, Inc. She holds a Juris Doctorate from The American University's Washington College of Law and a Master of Business Administration Degree from The Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business.

View source version at Denny's

WAHLBURGERS NAMES INDUSTRY VET JOHN FULLER CEO

Fuller most recently served as president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

By Heather Lalley on May 28, 2020

Fuller previously served as president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Before that, he was the CFO and then president and CEO of Johnny Rockets. He has also held executive posts at Rubio’s, Carl’s Jr. and Del Taco.

Boston-based burger concept Wahlburgers has 37 units in North America, Europe and the U.K.

“As our company continues to expand here in the U.S. and across the globe, John’s experience and insight into the restaurant business on an international scale will be extremely valuable in ensuring that we set ourselves up for long-term success,” co-owner Mark Wahlberg said in a statement.

Patrick Renna has served as the brand’s president and CFO for two years and will now focus full-time on his finance role. Renna took over for Rick Vanzura, who resigned from Wahlburgers to become interim CEO at GameStop. Vanzura is currently the CEO of container farming company Freight Farms, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“Having watched from afar, and now joining the Wahlburgers team, I look forward to helping take such a well-positioned and popular brand to the next level,” Fuller said in a statement. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with our operators and support staff and focusing on the company’s overall growth, expansion and opportunities as our industry begins to resurge and carve the path towards our new normal.”

The burger chain was founded by celebrity brothers Paul, Donnie and Mark and got a publicity boost from a reality TV show of the same name.

View source version at Wahlburgers

PANERA HIRES EDUARDO LUZ AS CHIEF BRAND AND CONCEPT OFFICER

Luz, a former Kraft Heinz executive, will oversee marketing, culinary, digital, and strategy/insights for the fast-casual chain.

By Heather Lalley on May 27, 2020

Panera Bread has hired Eduardo Luz, a former Kraft Heinz executive, as its chief brand and concept officer, the fast-casual chain confirmed Wednesday.

Luz worked for The Kraft Heinz Co. from 2013 until last year, serving in a number of executive roles, including as global brand officer and CMO for the U.S., according to his LinkedIn page.

Most recently, Luz was CEO of nutritional supplement company 8Greens.

At Panera, Luz is overseeing marketing, culinary, digital, and strategy/insights, according to a spokesman.

“I have been a long-time admirer of the Panera brand,” Luz said in a statement. “It’s a huge positive force for the food industry, from its mission to its leadership in clean food and commitment to making great food accessible to all.”

Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary praised Luz’s “proven track record of success with building global brands.”

“We look forward to his innovative and action-oriented brand leadership that will help us take Panera into the future,” Chaudhary said in a statement.

View source version at Panera Bread

Naf Naf Grill Names Greg Willman as New Chief Executive Officer

Willman Takes Helm at Middle Eastern Fast Casual Concept Starting June 15

May 26, 2020 09:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Naf Naf, the award-winning fast-casual Middle Eastern restaurant concept, announced today it has named Greg Willman as the company’s Chief Executive Officer effective June 15. Gary Beisler, who has been acting as interim Chief Executive Officer, will continue as Chairman of the Board for the company. In his role as CEO, Willman will oversee the company’s corporate and franchise strategy and operations.

Willman brings to the position a wealth of knowledge and expertise operating, advising and investing within the restaurant space and beyond for more than 20 years. A Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 316 Investments, Willman was one of the first developers and operators of Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants successfully growing the brand in several new markets, and before a successful exit, was the brand’s largest franchisee. After exploring several emerging brand opportunities, his group became Naf Naf’s first franchisee signing an exclusive area development deal for Central Indiana. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, he had a very successful corporate career spanning both Fortune 500 and smaller, high-growth companies where he held senior executive roles in marketing, strategy and business development.

“Greg is the right leader for this company especially during these unprecedented times,” said Beisler. “He understands what it takes to successfully grow an emerging brand, and his strong finance and operations experience, coupled with his passion for the Naf brand, will take this company to the next level.”

“I was initially attracted to Naf Naf for the unique and high quality Middle Eastern cuisine, and saw an opportunity to get involved at an early stage as a franchisee to help grow this compelling concept,” said Willman. “I am thrilled now to join the team as CEO and help drive the next stage of growth for the company.

ABOUT NAF NAF MIDDLE EASTERN GRILL

Naf Naf was founded in 2009 and is the premium fast-casual restaurant for fresh, authentic Middle Eastern food. Oven baked pitas, hand cut salads and freshly prepared sauces all serve as an accompaniment to award-winning shawarma and hand-crafted falafel. Naf Naf has received industry acclaim, being named one of the top 40 hottest startup fast causal restaurants by QSR Magazine, a Top 100 Movers and Shakers by Fast Casual for four years in a row, and a 2016 Hot Concept by Nation’s Restaurant News. In 2019, Naf Naf was recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune. For more information, please visit http://www.nafnafgrill.com and to learn more about franchising opportunities at https://nafnafgrill.com/franchise.

View source version at Naf Naf Grill

Dunkin' Brands Announces New Vice President and Managing Counsel

May 19, 2020, 09:00 ET

CANTON, Mass., May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, today announced the promotion of Ryan Schaffer to Vice President and Managing Counsel. Schaffer will lead a team responsible for performing and supporting several critical functions, including corporate governance, SEC reporting and compliance, investor relations, franchise disclosure, privacy and data security, IT, supply chain, and certain market operations. He reports directly to David Mann, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Dunkin' Brands.

Schaffer joined Dunkin' Brands more than eight years ago, most recently serving as Senior Director, Legal Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary.

According to David Mann, "Over his many years with Dunkin' Brands, Ryan has demonstrated his extensive legal expertise and sound judgment in a variety of roles and responsibilities, developing a broad knowledge of our business and our industry, and building strong relationships throughout our company, our Board and our franchisee community. As both Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins continue their brand transformations, with an increased focus and prioritization on digital assets and marketing, loyalty, and technology, we look forward to Ryan continuing to play a vital role in supporting Dunkin' Brands' worldwide growth."

Prior to Dunkin' Brands, Schaffer was an associate at global law firm Ropes and Gray, advising public and private companies on corporate and securities law matters, including initial public offerings and other public and private offerings of debt and equity securities, mergers and acquisitions, SEC compliance, and corporate governance. His time at the firm included work as the lead associate on Dunkin' Brands' 2011 initial public offering. Schaffer's prior experience also includes time as a consultant with global management consulting firm Bain & Company.

Schaffer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.

About Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.

With more than 21,000 points of distribution in more than 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world's leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of the first quarter 2020, Dunkin' Brands' 100 percent franchised business model included over 13,000 Dunkin' restaurants and more than 8,000 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

View source version at Dunkin' Brands

Boston Market Names Randy Miller As President

May 18, 2020, 10:15 ET

GOLDEN, Colo., May 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Market®, the rotisserie cooking and contemporary home style meal experts, today announced that Randy Miller has been named as President effective immediately. Eric Wyatt will transition to Chief Operating Officer, responsible for leading the brand's field leaders and restaurant teams.

A Boston Market veteran of more than 25 years, Miller has served in multiple positions throughout the Company. Most recently, he served as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for Boston Market, overseeing its legal team and playing an instrumental role in corporate strategy and the success of the brand. In his new role, Miller will work closely with Engage Brands, which recently assumed ownership of Boston Market, to lead the Company into its next chapter of growth.

"In my time so far, I have met with many people who are genuinely proud to say that they are a part of history here at Boston Market. Randy Miller has been one of these individuals and has played a key role in our success over the past 25 years," said Jay Pandya, Managing Director of Engage Brands and Chairman of Boston Market. "He truly knows Boston Market inside and out, and I have extreme confidence that Randy and the leadership team will continue to move this iconic brand forward to its true potential. This Company cherishes its values, its quality, and its people like no other, and that is why I can see Boston Market climbing to the top of the food industry with Randy leading in this new role."

"Boston Market has brought delicious, home style meals to families for more than 30 years, and I am proud to be a part of that legacy and excited to continue to build the brand as I take on the new role of president," said Miller. "It's an exciting and interesting time to be a part of Boston Market, as we continue to innovate our guest experience in the challenging environment we are in, make culinary enhancements and improve brand reach and relevance to serve our guests however, and wherever, they wish to access our food. In partnership with Jay and the Engage Brands team, we are well positioned to meet this challenge, build on our momentum and expand the Boston Market brand to more American homes."

Before joining Boston Market as general counsel, Miller spent seven years as an associate of Chicago-based law firm Rudnick & Wolfe, now DLA Piper. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University and earned a bachelor's degree in political science before obtaining his juris doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Miller currently serves on the board of directors for Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides week long, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

About Boston Market Headquartered in Golden, Colorado, Boston Market Corporation has given time back to busy families and individuals for more than 30 years with quality, home style meals at a convenient value in more than 300 U.S. locations. Known as the experts in rotisserie cooking, the company prepares fresh chicken and USDA choice Prime Rib in signature rotisserie ovens and features an extensive selection of home style sides and made-from-scratch cornbread. As one of the country's largest providers of catering services, Boston Market offers convenient, same-day orders and delivery for corporate and personal events of all sizes. In January 2017, Boston Market officially launched its "Quality Guarantee," which acts as a continued commitment to all guests that Boston Market will serve all-natural and fresh, never frozen, gluten-free, whole chicken with no added hormones, steroids, antibiotics or MSG. For more information, visit the company's website at www.bostonmarket.com. For the latest news and deals, follow @bostonmarket on Twitter or join us on Facebook.

View source version at Boston Market

Tom Bené Named as President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association; CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

May 15, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Restaurant Association today announced the appointment of Tom Bené as the Association’s President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and CEO of the Educational Foundation, effective June 1. In this role, Mr. Bené will be responsible for guiding the Association’s strategic path towards its vision for a thriving restaurant and foodservice community, providing America with nourishment, opportunity and joy, while working to enhance quality of life for all.

Bené will reinforce the Association’s position as the unifying voice of the restaurant and foodservice industry and the recognized leader for employee training and certification programs. Working in concert with state restaurant associations, Bené will continue to strengthen the Association’s advocacy efforts to ensure restaurants of every size are represented at the local, state, and federal levels. In this role, Bené will also be responsible for promoting the industry to multiple stakeholders, including members, prospective members, industry leaders and allies, government representatives, media, and consumers.

Inside the Association and Foundation, he is charged with driving an entrepreneurial environment fostering the ongoing development of programs, products, and services that increase member value, while leveraging technology to enhance efficiencies and deliver financial success.

“Tom brings to the Association and Foundation decades of experience from across the restaurant and foodservice industry,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Chair of the National Restaurant Association Board. “Our industry’s operators, suppliers, and employees have been hardest hit by the coronavirus. Tom’s business acumen coupled with his remarkable record of success will be invaluable for our members and our industry as we begin the process of reopening and rebuilding.” Rodrigue continued, “And, we remain grateful for Chief Financial and People Officer, Marvin Irby, and his exemplary service as interim CEO during the last five and half months.”

Mr. Bené brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the organization. Most recently, he served as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the global leader in foodservice distribution. Prior to joining Sysco in 2013, Mr. Bené served as President of PepsiCo Foodservice (NASDAQ: PEP) from 2011 until 2013 and also held a variety of senior leadership roles over his 23-year career with the company. Mr. Bené earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and currently serves as a member of the University of Kansas’ Business School Advisory Board.

“The National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation are critical components of the industry’s ongoing success and we are at a crucial moment in our industry’s history,” said Bené. “I am honored to have the opportunity to bring together the collective passion and influence of the full industry including multi-unit, independent, and franchise operators, while continuing to build the next generation of foodservice leaders and employees.”

About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.6 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)

As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry's training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready – partnering with community-based organizations to provide opportunity youth and justice-involved individuals with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship project – a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry.

For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org

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