Frisch’s Big Boy has named industry veteran Jason Vaughn CEO, the company said Thursday.
Vaughn was most recently president and chief operations officer of Memphis, Tenn.-based Lenny’s Subs, where he led efforts to update the image at 110 locations.
“I am truly honored to have been selected to lead this iconic brand,” Vaughn said in a statement. “I grew up with Big Boy and I’m thrilled to be the person who will direct the vision of this great company moving forward.”
Vaughn officially started with Frisch’s on Thursday. He was selected following an extensive, seven-month national search, the company said.
Before Lenny’s, Vaughn was a division vice president with The Wendy’s Co. Before that, he worked with Yum! Brands Inc. for 19 years, moving up to senior director of operations.
“We have big plans for the future of Frisch’s Big Boy and I know our loyal customers, and those new to the restaurant, will welcome what we have done in store,” Vaughn said. “It’s great to come to a company that is truly set up for success. We have employees who are proud of what they do, a growing customer base and a leadership team that is ready to take Frisch’s Big Boy to the next level.”
Frisch’s Big Boy is based in Cincinnati. The company operates 95 locations and franchises 25 units in the Midwest. Atlanta-based investment firm NRD Capital acquired the chain last year in a $175 million deal.
Vaughn will replace Craig Maier, who had been CEO of Frisch’s since 1989, but retired following the NRD acquisition.
“I have no doubt that Jason is the right person to lead this brand into what I’m sure will be an exciting future for everyone involved,” Aziz Hashim, managing partner of NRD, said in a statement. “He brings almost three decades of operations and franchise experience to Frisch’s, and has a proven track record of building brands through his effective leadership skills.”
Contact Jonathan Maze at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @jonathanmaze
