Golden Chick names franchisee presidentGolden Chick names franchisee president

Golden Tree Restaurants has named franchisee Jim Stevens as president of its Golden Chick division, succeeding chairman Mark Parmerlee in the role, the company said Friday.

The Dallas-based Golden Tree said Parmerlee will continue as chairman and president of the parent company, which includes such brands as The Jalapeno Tree, Fireside Pies, Texadelphia, JC’s Burgers, Heff’s Burgers, Lola’s and Happy Taco.

“I purchased Golden Chick 30 years ago, and I am excited to welcome Jim Stevens as the new president,” Parmerlee said in a statement. “Jim has served as an active franchisee for the brand, and with his impressive resume and dedication to our culture, I believe he will further the vision and growth of Golden Chick”

Stevens, left, who has five franchised quick-service Golden Chick locations, previously worked with Yum! Brands Inc.’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands as well as in executive positions with Arby’s, Captain D’s and Checker’s Drive Ins. He also served as chief operating officer at Yoshinoya America.

“I am very excited to lead Golden Chick into the next phase of development and growth,” Stevens said in a press release. “As a franchisee, I have a unique perspective on what it will take to grow our brand beyond 500 locations.”

Founded in Texas in 1967, Golden Chick has more than 180 locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.

Correction Nov. 5, 2019: This story has been edited to correct Jim Stevens' position at Yoshinoya America.

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