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PDQ names first marketing chiefPDQ names first marketing chief

Frank Rappa joins brand from Armani Exchange, Equinox

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 21, 2019

1 Min Read
frank rappa
PDQ CMO Frank RappaPDQ

PDQ Restaurants has named Frank Rappa to the new position of chief marketing officer, the company said Wednesday.

The Tampa, Fla.-based fast-casual brand, owned by MVP Restaurant Partners LLC, said Rappa joins PDQ after serving in roles at AX: Armani Exchange and Equinox Fitness.

“We are excited to welcome Frank to our PDQ team of People Dedicated to Quality,” said Nick Reader, PDQ CEO and co-founder, in a statement.

“Frank has a proven track record of developing brands and people,” Reader said, “and his leadership skills and forward-thinking approach to marketing [are] a big reason why we are so thrilled to have him join our team.”

Rappa, who most recently owned his own consulting firm, previously was head of retail and product at Equinox. Previously, he worked 13 years with retailer AX: Armani Exchange in management roles as well as vice president of international.

PDQ has 66 locations in 11 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

The concept’s principal owners are Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and Reader, who is also CEO of MVP Holdings.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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