Fazoli's Adds to Leadership and Franchise Sales Teams

LEXINGTON, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fazoli's, America's largest fast-casual Italian restaurant chain, welcomes a new chief marketing officer and vice president of operations. It also announces several other human resources changes to support its aggressive expansion strategy.

The hirings come as Fazoli's enters a new growth stage amid record sales. The brand was acquired last year by Sentinel Capital Partners, which has put it on the franchising fast track.

Donna Josephson is Fazoli's new chief marketing officer, a position she previously held at the 351-unit McAlister's Deli. Josephson brings over 20 years of progressive brand management and marketing leadership with iconic restaurant brands, such as Wendy's, Applebee's and Chick-fil-A.

Tom Pleiman joins Fazoli's as vice president of Company Operations, a role he previously held with Pizza Hut franchisee La Raza Pizza, Inc. Pleiman will lead the Training and Guest Services Departments, as well as oversee the newly created director of Off-Premises Sales position.

Fazoli's previous vice president of Operations, Scott Sir Louis, has assumed the newly created position of vice president of Strategy and Continuous Improvement. Sir Louis will work with senior leadership to develop, prioritize and implement new strategies to drive the future generation of Fazoli's.

Steve Bailey joins Fazoli's as senior director of Franchise Sales, a newly created position. He previously held a similar post at Sonic.

"Our goal is to make Fazoli's better for our guests, our employees and our franchisees, which will in turn fuel our growth," said president and CEO Carl Howard. "These individuals will all play an important role in accomplishing that, and we are thrilled to have them on board."

Connect with Fazoli's online at www.fazolis.com, www.ownafazolis.com, @Fazolis, and https://www.facebook.com/Fazolis

With approximately 220 restaurants, Fazoli's is America's largest Italian fast-casual chain, serving freshly prepared entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of the New York Post's five breakout fast-casual restaurants and a Fast Casual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing record sales growth. Visit www.ownafazolis.com for details on development opportunities, including new operator incentives.

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