Luke Mandola Jr. has been named vice president of franchise sales and development at Brix Holdings LLC, the Dallas-based parent to brands that include Friendly’s, Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Smoothie Factory, Souper Salad and Pizza Jukebox. He was most recently a franchise executive with Shipley’s Do-Nuts, where he opened more than 100 locations over 11 states. At Brix, one of Mandola’s first projects will be creating a new Friendly’s 2.0 prototype to get that brand back on a growth track.
Cody Chassar was named chef de cuisine at Gunshow in Atlanta. He was previously sous chef at the restaurant and also for the concept Cold Beer. Both are part of the for parent company Red Beard Restaurants group founded by Kevin Gillespie.
David Ragosa is the new vice president of franchising and development for Ford’s Garage, a 24-unit burger-and-beer brand based in Tampa, Fla. Previously the director of franchising for Inspire brands, Ragosa is tasked with bringing the auto-themed brand to new markets. Ford’s Garage is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company and is designed to evoke a 1920’s service station
Charles Pejeau has joined Leffew Restaurant Group, based on Hilton Head Island, S.C., as culinary director, overseeing the food programs at Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar and the Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen. Pejeau comes to Leffew group from Palmetto Dunes Resort where he was executive chef.
Fast casual seafood concept Captain D’s has hired Jeff Wilson as its new chief financial officer. Wilson joins the concept from his 15 year career at Cracker Barrel—most recently he served as the company’s vice president of finance and CFO of the Emerging Brands group. As CFO for Captain D’s, Wilson will lead the finance department.
Jack in the Box also hired a new chief financial officer this week. The chain named Brian Scott executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Aug. 14. Scott joins the company from his role of chief financial officer of Shiftkey, a marketplace platform that connects clinical professionals with healthcare facilities. Previously, he also served as CFO of TheKey, a private pay provider of home care services. The company also named Dawn Hooper senior vice president. Hooper served as interim CFO for the past six months. Nitin Malhotra was also hired as senior vice president of strategy realization.
Also this week, Dutch Bros named Christine Barone CEO.
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