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Sonic names Omar Janjua chain presidentSonic names Omar Janjua chain president

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 8, 2009

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

OKLAHOMA CITY Okla. Omar Janjua has joined Sonic Corp. as president of its restaurant-operating subsidiary, Sonic Restaurants Inc., replacing Eddie Saroch, who has moved to another post within Sonic, the company said Tuesday.

Janjua most recently was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Steak n Shake Co. of Indianapolis. Prior to Steak n Shake, Janjua worked for 18 years with Pizza Hut.

Clifford Hudson, chairman and chief executive of Sonic Corp., said in a statement: “We are fortunate to have Omar join our management team. The knowledge he has gained from a 28-year career in QSR, across many operational and financial areas, makes him an excellent choice to lead our partner drive-in operations.”

Sonic said the outgoing Saroch, who had served as president of SRI since May 2008, would take the new position of senior vice president of franchise operations in developing markets. That position would oversee “an increased effort in the delivery of integrated services to franchisees,” Sonic said in a statement.

Two other Sonic management changes were announced on Tuesday, as well: Claudio San Pedro, previously treasurer and vice president of investor relations, was named vice president of investor relations and brand strategies; and Keith Jossell, previously vice president of franchise finance, was named vice president of market strategies.

Sonic owns or franchises more than 3,500 drive-ins.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].

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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