Since launching franchise opportunities in 2013, Famous Toastery has seen an influx of interested candidates and successful operators. As more and more prospects sign on to the growing brand, co-founders Robert Maynard and Brian Burchill knew that they needed to add top talent to the team as the concept continued crossing state boarders and entering markets where Famous Toastery was unknown.
With a spring opening in the Philadelphia area, and upcoming openings in Colorado and New York, translating those best practices to untapped corners of the U.S. required the need for a strong executive staff to help franchisees understand how to implement the right systems for success.
To tighten operational excellence, David Burgess joined the team as the Director of Operations. As the former Regional Senior Manager and Culinary Coach at California Pizza Kitchen, Burgess was responsible for all phases of operations for the brand across 20 states. This included new store openings, research and developing new food items, developing of training and operations programs, conducting training webinars, handling standard forms updates, completing quality assurance visits, reviewing the P&L statements, food cost coaching and labor focused action plans.
“As we began growing quickly, we really needed someone to come in and translate past experience of managing operations for a large chain and to help the roll out and implementation of best practices at Famous Toastery,” said Maynard, the brand’s CEO. “David’s expertise has already been paying off and will continue to help Famous Toastery franchisees find success moving forward.”
To further promote the brand, Lori Eskridge was brought on as the Chief Marketing Officer. In the Charlotte area, everyone knows and loves Famous Toastery. The brand has more than a decade of loyal fans. But in new areas, the brand would need a local marketing plan. Eskridge is using her advertising and marketing background to work with each franchisee to create their own customized marketing plan based on their market's demographics and environment.
“I am so excited to join forces with Famous Toastery to become their Chief Marketing Officer,” said Eskridge. “I will be working directly with corporate and all of their franchisees to manage their marketing efforts. As the company continues to grow and add new franchise locations in new markets, each franchisee will need to pay close attention to their local marketing plans, and I’ll be able to help guide them and plan how to become visible in their communities.”