Jersey Mike’s, Potbelly, Peet’s Coffee and more make executive moves

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Jersey Mike’s named Andy Skehan president of international. Skehan joins the sandwich from Home Franchise Concepts, where he was president and CEO. He has also held leadership roles at Krispy Kreme, Popeyes and Wendy’s/Arby’s. Skehan’s task will be to grow Jersey Mike’s brand globally.

Jennifer Durham has been hired at Potbelly as SVP of franchising and development. Her responsibilities include increasing franchise recruitment, overseeing market planning, real estate, design and construction, and helping Potbelly reach its goal of more than 2,000 locations. Durham’s restaurant experience includes stints at Checkers & Rally’s and Cooper’s Hawk.

Stuart Heflin, Peet’s Coffee

Stuart Heflin joined Peet’s Coffee as president, succeeding Eric Lauterbaugh, who stepped down as president and CEO after 15 years with the brand. Heflin brings over 20 years of experience to Peet’s, previously serving in leadership roles at Simply Good Foods Company and Quest Nutrition.

Paris Baguette has hired Zac Sulma as COO. Sulma will steer operational growth as the bakery cafe chain expands, with the goal of reaching 1,000 units by 2030. Sulma has an extensive background in multi-unit operations in the entertainment and hospitality space.

Erik Jensen is the new vice president of marketing for Dallas-based Brix Holdings, the parent of Friendly’s, Orange Leaf, Red Mango and other brands. Jensen previously held senior roles with Denny’s and Keurig Dr. Pepper, as well as the agencies Foote, Cone & Belding and DDB.

Church’s Texas Chicken has named Bobby Morena to the role of chief development officer. He will lead all aspects of the chicken chain’s domestic development strategy, including franchise sales, real estate, design and construction. Morena previously worked with development at Jimmy John’s and was most recently chief development officer at Go To Foods.

Cathy Chase, Bojangles

Bojangles has promoted Cathy Chase to chief people officer. Chase joined the chicken chain in 2020 as senior director of employee experience and later became vice president of people and culture.

Kevin O’Connor, Chester’s Chicken

Chester’s Chicken appointed Kevin O’Connor as its new executive vice president. O’Connor has worked with the fried chicken chain as a consultant since 2018 and has more than 20 years of experience across the culinary and franchise industries. He succeeds Bill Rice, who retired from the company.

Jonathan Rohland, Wagamama

Jonathan Rohland has been appointed senior director of culinary operations at Wagamama. Rohland’s background includes menu development positions with Hawker’s Asian Street Food, Bartaco and Boca Restaurant Group, and he has guided operational consistency across multi-unit systems.

Industry veteran Kevin Armantrout has been named COO for Bagels & Co. Previously Armantrout served as president and COO of Another Broken Egg Café and held leadership positions at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. He is tasked with expanding Bagels & Co. across the U.S.

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