Chanticleer Holdings, owner and operator of Hooters® branded restaurants in emerging international markets, today said it has appointed Richard Adams, former regional vice president of Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc., as president and CEO of HOTR’s Charlotte, North Carolina-based subsidiary, American Roadside Burgers. This appointment became effective October 28, 2013. HOTR also appointed Thomas Lewison as a company strategic advisor.
“We are pleased to welcome Rich to lead the management and development of our newest subsidiary, American Roadside Burgers. With his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, Rich is an excellent addition to the team, especially at this exciting time in our company’s development,” Mike Pruitt, chairman and CEO of HOTR, stated in the news release. “Tom’s vast industry knowledge and experience will help Chanticleer Holdings move towards further expansion for all our subsidiaries and evaluation of new opportunities.”
Adams brings more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry to his new appointment at American Roadside Burgers. In his 10 years at Bojangles’ Restaurants, he served in many positions including director of training; vice president of franchise operations; and for the past five years was regional vice president of company operations where he led Bojangles’ core market in Charlotte, NC. Prior to his time at Bojangles’ Restaurants, he worked as a regional vice president for CKE Restaurants and later an area vice president for a Burger King franchisee in Louisiana, where he led 100 restaurants.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join American Roadside Burgers at this time as Chanticleer Holdings advances its subsidiaries in the United States and all over the world,” Adams stated.
Lewison, who is a franchisee of 15 Qdoba Mexican Grill locations, was a board member of American Roadside Burgers. In addition to his restaurant holdings, he has ownership in 20/20 Restaurant Group, a consulting service to the restaurant industry. Prior to his involvement in these enterprises, Lewison advanced through the ranks at CKE Restaurants and eventually moved to Hardee’s Food Systems as executive vice president after CKE Restaurants acquired that company in 1997. After being with CKE Restaurants for 22 years, he became president and chief operating officer for Bojangles’ Restaurants in 2001. In that capacity, Lewison turned around Bojangles’ Restaurants’ company performance with implementation of a strategic plan he crafted. Consequently shareholders in Bojangles’ Restaurants saw an above average return on their investment when the company was sold in 2007.
“There are so many great operators out there without capital, and so much capital that can’t operate a restaurant,” says Tom Lewison. “That’s why I love Mike Pruitt’s model. It understands the balance.”
More information regarding HOTR and its current initiatives can be found at: www.chanticleerholdings.com
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