Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. has named Greg Vojnovic chief development officer, a newly created position, effective Sept. 8, the company said Monday.
Vojnovic previously held the same position at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc. He will report directly to Arby’s CEO Paul Brown.
Arby’s is in the process of speeding up remodels of its 940 company-owned restaurants and 2,360 franchised units.
Vojnovic will be responsible for attracting new franchisees and spearheading Arby’s ongoing remodeling process. The quick-service chain plans to remodel 160 of its existing locations this year. Restaurants with the new “Inspire” design, introduced in June 2014, have seen sustained sales increases of around 15 percent, the company said. The design features upgraded signage and fast-casual cues such as wood tones, communal tables, Wi-Fi and mobile device charging stations.
“Arby’s is in growth mode, and I can’t think of a better candidate to take the helm of our development than Greg,” Brown said in a press release. “As franchising demand accelerates, I’m looking forward to working with Greg to build and remodel Arby’s restaurants among both new and existing franchisees.”
During Vojnovic’s eight-year tenure at Popeyes, the Atlanta-based quick service chain opened more than 100 restaurants annually. At the end of 2014, Popeyes had 1,870 domestic locations.
“I’m excited about the new opportunity at Arby’s,” Vojnovic said in the release. “There is so much energy and momentum at Arby’s right now, and I’m looking forward to being part of the executive team that guide the brand to further growth.”
Arby’s is owned by private-equity firm Roark Capital Group, which said the chain has recorded 19 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. In May, Arby’s said it was on track to add 60 units this year, and twice that many next year.
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