DEERFIELD Ill. Cosi has named industry veteran Paul Bower chief development officer, effective immediately.
Bower most recently was vice president of development for Redbox, a DVD rental company with more than 7,000 locations developed as a joint venture with McDonald’s Corp. Before that, he worked for 20 years with McDonald’s restaurant development team, with a focus on real estate management and expansion.
Cosi, a fast-casual chain specializing in flat-bread sandwiches, has been struggling to grow its franchise business following a period of restructuring.
James Hyatt, Cosi's president and chief executive, said Bower's experience fits the company's commitment to growing “for the benefit of our shareholders, franchise partners, employees and guests.”
Cosi, based here, has 102 company-owned and 42 franchised restaurants.