Glenn Cybulski, co-founder of Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria, has taken over the CEO role as the fast-casual pizza brand ratchets up growth, the company said Wednesday.
Cybulski, who previously served as the restaurant’s chief operating officer, is taking the helm from Joseph Baumel, who will remain active in the brand as co-founder, officials said.
In his new role, Cybulski will lead the execution of the brand’s long-term growth strategy while overseeing day-to-day operations.
“Over the past couple of years, Glenn has consistently shown why he is widely regarded as one of the most talented, innovative and entrepreneurial pizzaiolos in the business today, and will be a key player in the future growth of our brand,” Baumel said in a statement. “Glenn is the natural choice to write the next chapter of Persona’s history.”
Baumel and Cybulski co-founded the Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Persona brand in 2013. With one unit open currently, the create-your-own-pizza concept began as Persona Neapolitan Pizzeria, but the name was changed to Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria.
The company launched a national franchising program last year and plans to reach 200 locations within five years.
A second restaurant — its first franchised location — is scheduled to open in Santa Rosa, Calif., in May, and development agreements include a 20-unit deal in South Florida, three units in South Carolina and five units in Houston, officials said.
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