Baristas names Metzger COOBaristas names Metzger COO

Lisa Jennings

The growing “sexpresso” brand Baristas Coffee Company Inc., or BCCI, has tapped industry veteran Thomas Metzger as chief operating officer.

Metzger, a former chief executive of the Sizzler USA chain, also was appointed to Baristas’ board of directors. His responsibilities include expanding the coffeehouse’s business model and brand throughout North America.

Barry Henthorn, chief executive of Baristas, said Metzger’s experience in the industry will “dramatically increase our ability to develop our brand by avoiding the pitfalls associated with rapid expansion.”

In addition to his experience with Sizzler, Metzger served as president of Kenny Rogers Roasters International. He also founded the Atlanta-based Wrapsters concept in the 1990s, and has been a franchisee of the Boston Market and Wolfgang Puck Express brands.

Based in Seattle, Baristas is a drive-thru espresso stand featuring female baristas dressed in skimpy outfits. Pink Sheets-traded BCCI has six company-owned locations in Washington state.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].