DESTIN Fla. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a 250-unit tropical-theme smoothie and sandwich franchise chain, said it has hired 18-year industry veteran Mike Rotondo as vice president of operations.
In his new role, Rotondo is charged with helping guide the Destin-based chain’s franchisee and area developer operations training as well as real estate site-selection.
Rotondo joined Tropical Smoothie after a similar role at Atlanta-based Great Wraps. Prior to that post, he had stints at various concepts including Arby’s Restaurant Group, Honeybaked Ham, and Wendy’s International Inc., where he began his career in the industry.
Rotondo was quoted as saying he sees his new role as “an ideal career progression” and one in which he will help grow the Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise system.
Eric Jenrich, co-founder and chief executive of Tropical Smoothie, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe team. I am confident that his expertise will enhance restaurant operations and take the customer experience at Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations to the next level.”
