Former McAlister’s Deli president and CEO Philip Friedman has been named vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Brandstand Group, a restaurant brand marketing and communications firm.
In his new role, Friedman will bring to the table 30 years of foodservice experience to assist Brandstand Group’s restaurant industry clientele with their brand positioning strategy, executive management coaching and organizational development.
“In transitioning from McAlister, I decided to partially refocus my energies into consulting with dynamic, young, growing companies,” Friedman said. “Due to my relationships with other industry clients, and meeting Chris Petersen, I’ve found that Brandstand Group is just such a company. I look forward to working with Brandstand to offer the restaurant industry brand and organizational development, CEO mentoring, and restaurant operations consulting services, while assisting in Brandstand’s growth.”
While leading the McAlister Corporation, Friedman spearheaded the chain’s growth to 22 states and from 27 units to 300.
Friedman also serves on the board of directors for the National Restaurant Association and is a member of the Culinary Institute of America’s Society of Fellows. Other honors awarded to Friedman include the Editorial Board of Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2009 “Golden Chain” award, National Restaurant Association’s 2009 “Cornerstone Humanitarian” award, and International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s 2008 “Silver Plate” award.
