ATLANTA Focus Brands Inc. has tapped on-site veteran Paul Damico as president of its Moe's Southwest Grill brand, the multiconcept operator said Tuesday.
Focus Brands president and chief executive Steve Romaniello has been serving as Moe's president since August, when his company acquired the 400-unit fast-casual concept from Raving Brands Inc.
Damico most recently was chief operating officer of SSP America, a 170-unit concessions company, where he was responsible for the operations of 42 airport properties in North America, Canada and the Caribbean. Before that, he was a co-founder and vice president of operations and concept development for FoodBrand LLC, a restaurant and food court operator. He also spent 13 years in various roles with Host Marriott Service Corp.
“We were looking for the sort of leader whose experience reflected a strategic and long-term approach to operations and a sound grasp of concept development,” Romaniello said in a statement. “Paul’s extensive operational background and ability to lead people makes him ideal in this role, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
Focus Brands said it plans to open 75 Moe’s locations this year. The Atlanta-based company is the operator or franchisor of more than 2,200 restaurants worldwide under the Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe's, Schlotzsky's and Seattle's Best Coffee brands.
