CULVER CITY Calif. Ed Casey has been named president and chief operating officer of The Counter, a seven-unit upscale burger chain, officials said Thursday.
An industry veteran of 30 years, Casey has served as director of operations and franchise operations with Red Robin, and as vice president of operations and vice president of new concepts for T.G.I. Friday’s. In addition, Casey has been the operating partner of an Applebee’s franchise group, and he is a franchisee of Baja Fresh Mexican Grill with 22 locations in the Pacific Northwest.
Casey said he was initially interested in becoming a franchisee of The Counter concept, a five-year-old version of a build-your-own burger restaurant, but was recruited to join the corporate office instead. The company has sold development rights to 130 locations, and an estimated 25 units are scheduled to open in the next two years.
“Ed is exactly the kind of person we were looking for to help us continue to spread The Counter culture across the country,” said Jeff Weinstein, founder and chief executive. “We’re excited to welcome him to our team and are confident he will not only meet but exceed our expectations.”
