Great American Cookies parent hires Focus Brands veteran
Global Franchise Group LLC, franchisor of Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick and other brands, has named Sam Patterson as chief financial officer, the company said Monday.
A spokesperson for Atlanta-based Global Franchise Group, which also owns the Pretzelmaker, Marble Slab Creamery and Round Table Pizza brands, said Patterson succeeds Lewis Loeb in the role. Patterson will oversee financial strategy, forecasting, budgeting and advise on long-term business and financial planning.
Patterson, left, most recently served as senior vice president of accounting at Atlanta-based Focus Brands and its Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnamon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's. He was with Focus Brands for 11 years.
“At Global Franchise Group we are committed to building a best-in-class team and developing an industry leading shared service platform,” said Paul Damico, GFG CEO, in a statement.
“Sam is a talented and committed financial leader,” Damico said, “and as we look to grow our organization and acquire additional brands, Sam's experience in forecasting and back-office restructuring will be a tremendous asset.”
Prior to Focus Brands, Patterson held leadership positions with Movie Gallery/Hollywood Video, Republic National Cabinet Corp. and Wolverine Tube Inc.
“I was attracted to Global Franchise Group because of the great reputation of its family of brands, ability to innovate and strong executive team,” Patterson said. “The organization is full of passion and tremendous potential, and I'm inspired by its people and vision for the future.”
GFG supports more than 1,400 franchised and corporate stores across all brands located in 16 countries and has systemwide sales near $1 billion.
Global Franchise Group is an affiliate of Lion Capital LLP and Serruya Private Equity Inc.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless
