Fast-casual chain Qdoba has named Jim Sullivan, a former CKE Restaurant Holdings executive, chief development officer, the company announced Monday.
Sullivan will lead restaurant development for the Mexican chain, including market planning, site selection, franchise sales, real estate negotiations and more.
Photo courtesy Qdoba
"Jim brings a unique perspective and strong leadership approach, backed by a proven track record of successfully accelerating franchise growth for some of the nation's leading restaurant concepts," Keith Guilbault, CEO of Qdoba, said in a statement. "His expertise and years of experience in growing brands similar to ours in size and scale will serve us well in connecting with new franchise partners, expanding our nationwide footprint, and reaching new heights as a company."
Qdoba’s former CDO, Peter Ortiz, left the brand last month to become chief development officer at the parent company of the Huddle House and Perkins family dining chains.
Sullivan comes to the San Diego, Calif.-based chain after serving as chief development officer for CKE, the parent company of Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s and others. He also held the top development post at Friendly’s Ice Cream.
“As a fan of the company, I’m thrilled to be joining Qdoba at such a pivotal moment in its next phase of expansion,” he said in a press release.
Qdoba has more than 740 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
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