Pieology has named former Smashburger CEO Michael Nolan as president, the company said Wednesday.
The quickly growing company based in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., tapped the fast-casual restaurant executive to help improve the customer experience.
“Michael has an unparalleled understanding of the fast-casual industry, and I enthusiastically welcome him to the Pieology team,” Pieology founder and CEO Carl Chang said in a statement. “Our priority at Pieology has always been to deliver a quality, creative dining experience, and I’m confident that Michael’s expertise will continue to propel Pieology forward.”
Nolan has more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience. He left the CEO role at Smashburger late last year, after nine months with the chain. Before that, he spent years with Corner Bakery Cafe, Bloomin’ Brands Inc., and Panera Bread Co.
Last year, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the founders of Panda Restaurant Group, invested in Pieology. The company also acquired competitor Project Pie last year. At the time, Chang said “consolidation was the future for the fast-casual pizza segment.”
Pieology was founded in 2011 and has 135 locations nationwide, with 50 restaurant openings planned this year.
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