Peter Piper Inc., the parent of pizza and entertainment chain operator Peter Piper Pizza, has promoted Charles Bruce to the position of president.
Bruce, who served as chief marketing officer at Peter Piper for the last three years, succeeds Joseph Luongo Jr., who previously served as president and chief executive of the Phoenix-based company.
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During his time as CMO, Bruce developed a brand strategy that resulted in 29 consecutive periods of same-store sales growth, the company said. Peter Piper has 34 company restaurants and 101 franchised locations in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
In his new capacity as president, Bruce has plans to refresh existing restaurants and continue to pursue long-term growth of the brand, notably in Mexico, where the chain already has 45 franchised locations.
In addition, Peter Piper recently debuted its inaugural location in the Houston market, the first of a planned 25 branches. The 12,000-square-foot Houston unit was opened by El Paso, Texas-based franchisee Pizza Properties Inc.
“As president, I have the good fortune to lead the company in the implementation of our growth strategy,” Bruce said in a statement. “Peter Piper Pizza will have plenty to offer millennial consumers as they establish their families.”
Before joining Peter Piper, Bruce served as senior vice president of marketing at Salsarita’s. Prior to that, he held executive positions at Captain D’s Seafood, Damon’s, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut.
Peter Piper Pizza, which was founded in 1973, is owned by ACON Investments. The private equity firm acquired the chain in 2007.
Contact Paul Frumkin at paul.frumkin@penton.com.
Follow him on Twitter: @NRNPaul