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Bennigan’s promotes four execsBennigan’s promotes four execs

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 17, 2011

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

Bennigan’s Franchising Co. has promoted four executives at the casual-dining company’s corporate support center.

The Bennigan’s executive changes, effective immediately, are:

• Shawn Finn, formerly franchise business coach, was promoted to vice president of international operations. Finn is responsible for supporting Bennigan’s franchise operators in 12 nations as well as leading various initiatives domestically. He has been with Bennigan’s since 1987.

• Dan Poudrier, formerly director of training and operations, was promoted to vice president of operations and training. He will oversee all training, including a new online “Bennigan’s University.” He joined Bennigan’s in 1997.

• Jennifer Gamble, formerly director of marketing, was promoted to vice president of marketing. She has been with Bennigan’s since 2005.

• Nikki Tichansky, formerly brand coordinator, was promoted to brand manager and will oversee the chain’s neighborhood marketing, including social media and restaurant-based “brand ambassadors.” She joined Bennigan’s earlier this year.

“Each of these remarkable individuals has demonstrated the passion and commitment it takes to achieve legendary levels of performance for our iconic brand,” said Paul Mangiamele, president chief executive of Bennigan’s.

The Dallas-based company also reported opening a new franchise store earlier this month in Lake Worth, Texas, a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb. The new unit, in a converted T.G.I. Friday’s location, has 132 seats and is owned by franchisee Luis Ibarguengoytia, of I-Pub LLC.

Bennigan’s has about 35 units in the United States and 45 abroad.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @ronruggless

 

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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