Protein Bar has named former Boudin Bakeries executive Samir Wagle president and chief operating officer of the health-focused chain, the company said Thursday.
Wagle, who started with Protein Bar in July, is the Chicago-based chain’s first president. He replaces Mike Ganino, who departed in February, as COO. Wagle comes to Protein Bar from San Francisco-based Andre Boudin Bakeries Inc., parent to the Boudin Bakeries Café chain, where he also served as COO, leading all bakery restaurant operations, foodservice, catering and human resources.
Before that, Wagle spent five years with Chipotle Mexican Grill as operations director for restaurants in the Midwest. He also worked previously at McDonald’s Corp. as a graduate of its executive development program.
Founded in 2009, Protein Bar has grown to 18 locations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Colorado, with plans to hit 21 units before the end of the year. The concept is known for its healthful menu of “bar-ritos,” salads and smoothies.
Last year, private-equity firm Catterton Partners made a significant capital investment in the fast-casual chain, which was also named a Hot Concept this year by Nation’s Restaurant News.
This story has been revised to reflect the following correction:
Correction: Sept. 11, 2014 An earlier version of this story mischaracterized the COO role as a new position, and has also been updated to include whom Samir Wagle replaced as COO.
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