Rave promotes Bob Bafundo to new president postRave promotes Bob Bafundo to new president post

Rave Restaurant Group, parent to the Pizza Inn buffet chain and fast-casual Pie Five Pizza Co., has promoted Bob Bafundo, left, to the new position of president, the company said Tuesday.

Dallas-based Rave said Bafundo joined the company in 2016 as president of the Pizza Inn brand. In his new role, he will oversee day-to-day operations for all Rave brands, including the newer non-traditional Pizza Inn Express, or PIE, brand.

“Bob has done a fantastic job of re-energizing the guest experience and franchise base at Pizza Inn,” Rave CEO Scott Crane said in a statement. “He positioned the brand for new growth through systemwide remodels, adding new franchise partners and revitalizing the current franchise system.”

Crane said Bafundo also spearheaded new platforms such as online ordering, point-of-sale systems, catering, all-day buffet and a rewards program.

In addition to the Bafundo promotion, Rave said Tuesday that Andrea Allen, left, had been promoted to chief accounting and administrative officer.

Allen joined Rave in 2017 as controller and vice president of accounting. Prior to Rave, Allen served as vice president of procurement and information systems and controller at Bar Louie and was a financial consultant for TGI Fridays.

“Andrea has made a tremendous impact on our financial processes,” Crane said. “All of our brands have seen improvements in budgeting, analysis and decreased time in monthly and quarterly reporting.”

Rave owns, operates and franchises about 300 Pie Five Pizza, Pizza Inn and PIE restaurants domestically and internationally.

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