Former CKE Restaurants Inc. exec Ron Coolbaugh has been named CEO of Fresh Brothers, the company announced Wednesday.
Coolbaugh will replace Geoffrey Goodman, who was named CEO in 2020. No explanation was given for Goodman’s departure.
Coolbaugh will lead the 22-unit chain as it continues expansion beyond Southern California, the company said. He spent three decades working with CKE, starting there as a high school student and rising through key management roles to the chief operating officer position, helping to grow the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s international footprint.
“We are thrilled to have Ron at the helm of the company,” said Peter Nolan, principal owner of Los Angeles-based Fresh Brothers. “Ron’s breadth of experience has touched so many important areas, from his years in restaurant operations, executive management and experience in leading restaurant expansion into multiple countries and markets. He knows this industry inside out and is a true success story that showcases the opportunities the restaurant industry offers for its team members.”
Fresh Brothers received a significant equity investment from investor group Nolan Capital Inc. in 2016, led by Nolan.
The chain is scheduled to open two more locations in the Los Angeles area this summer. Currently, Fresh Brothers operates in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, with two Kitchen United partnerships and a location at Los Angeles International Airport.
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