ATLANTA Focus Brands, franchisor of Moe’s Southwest Grill and four other quick-service brands, said it has promoted several executives of its chains to new corporate posts.
The company said the realignment would facilitate expansion of the chains both domestically and internationally. Focus currently franchises or operates 2,155 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes under the brands Schlotzsky’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Seattle’s Best Coffee International and Moe’s. Virtually all of the units but some Schlotzky’s stores are franchised.
In the realignment, Schlotzky’s branding manager Greg Regian was elevated to Focus’ chief marketing officer, with responsibility for the marketing of all the brands.
Mike Shattuck is now senior vice president of international. A 30-year operations veteran of Burger Chef, Hardee’s and Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, he had been focusing on the Cinnabon and Seattle’s Best Coffee brand, to which Focus has rights only in some overseas markets and on U.S. military bases.
Following a stint leading the real estate and store development teams of Carvel and Cinnabon, Jocelyn Blain was tapped to lead Focus Brands’ development, including franchise sales, real estate, store development and concept development. Blain, an architect by profession, previously had design and construction-management positions with Church’s Chicken and what is now Yum! Brands Inc., parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Franchise attorney and certified public accountant Kathryn Rookes has been promoted to senior vice president of legal for Focus, from vice president of legal at Carvel. She will also oversee franchise administration.
Jim Salerno, who started at Carvel in 1998, was named vice president of operations for the ice cream chain. In his new role, he will have oversight of Carvel’s franchise operations.
In a statement, Focus president and chief executive Steve Romaniello praised the seasoned executives for bringing ranchise expertise and leadership skills to the company. “I look forward to them playing even greater roles as we continue to grow into a national and international player,” he said.
