Kendall Ware, former president of Cinnabon and Carvel Corporation and CEO of Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, has been hired by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux as its chief operating officer, the casual dining concept said Tuesday.
The appointment comes a little over a month after the sports-bar chain based in Baton Rouge, La., named Chris Dawson its CEO.
Most recently, Ware was COO of In-Shape Health Clubs.
"From day one, I knew Kendall would be the ideal leader to join Walk-On's with his best-in-class operations and franchise experience as a former President and CEO of several iconic brands," Dawson said in a release announcing Ware’s appointment. "More importantly, his passion for people, magnetic energy and genuine leadership style makes him an incredible addition to Walk-On's. As we continue building out the Walk-On's executive team, high caliber leaders, like Kendall, are the expectation."
Ware said he was looking forward to overseeing the operations of Walk-On’s.
"Having been in the restaurant industry for many years, Walk-On's has always been a brand I've watched and admired,” he said. “There is something remarkable about this brand and its teammates; the scratch-made, delicious meals and authentic hospitality are a great testament to our Louisiana heritage of great food and culture. It is an exciting time to be at Walk-On's and I look forward to working alongside Chris, as we craft the future recipe for franchisees and our brand as a whole."
Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 in Baton Rouge by Louisiana State University walk-on basketball players Brandon Landry and Jack Warner. It has since grown to nearly 100 restaurants.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]