Lexington, Ky. – Al Hodges, a 30-year foodservice executive, has been appointed vice president of Operations at Fazoli’s, America’s largest quick-service Italian restaurant. Hodges joins the company from Dunkin’ Brands, where he was regional vice president, responsible for more than 4,000 restaurants.
In his new position, Hodges will oversee all company and franchise operations. Fazoli’s, which currently operates or franchises more than 220 restaurants, is expanding, with several company and franchised units scheduled to open in 2011.
“Al’s experience extends to every aspect of company and franchise restaurant operations, and we are very excited to have another very seasoned and accomplished executive join the Fazoli’s leadership team,” said Carl Howard, president and CEO.
Hodges also served as president of the Southern Division of RTM Arby’s, including Mrs. Winners, and vice president of Marketing for Cinnabon. Before that, he was director of Food Operations for Target Stores.
“Fazoli’s is making a remarkable comeback, which is one of the reasons I joined the company,” Hodges said. “I’m looking forward to helping both franchise and company restaurants achieve higher performance levels through a greater focus on strategic planning and unit-level execution.”
Hodges joins Fazoli’s as the premium Italian QSR chain completes a turnaround and enters a growth phase. The company has posted more than 12 months of same store sales increases for both franchise and company-owned units. It has completed a brand repositioning that includes an all-new menu, the introduction of table service and a new prototype design.
An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli’s is a leading, next generation QSR franchise opportunity. With an all-new premium menu featuring freshly prepared Italian entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches and salads, along with a contemporary new restaurant design and fresh leadership, Fazoli’s is well positioned for growth. Already America’s largest Italian quick service chain with more than 220 restaurants, Fazoli’s is expanding in select markets throughout the country. Founded in Lexington, Ky., in 1989, Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli’s in 2006.
