For the first time in the restaurant chain’s 25-year history, Charley’s Grilled Subs has hired a chief operating officer to guide the brand into the future.
Bob Wright, a former vice president for both Wendy’s International and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, has been named as Charley’s new COO.
“Charley’s is experiencing tremendous growth in partnership with our franchisees and we’ll be able to continue on this path by exceeding our customers’ expectations every time they visit,” Wright said. “I am thrilled to use my experience to keep the momentum going. We’re growing fast and I am excited about what’s in store.”
In 2010, 38 new Charley’s restaurants opened and the company is planning to build another 46 locations this year. Charley’s also has hit some milestones with development overseas, recently signing its 12th location in the United Arab Emirates that will soon open in the Dubai International Airport in Terminal 1. Additionally, Charley’s expanded this year to the Dominican Republic and Brazil for the first time.
In his new role with the company, Wright will oversee the franchise and company operations, in addition to purchasing, training and store openings. At his previous companies, Wright led the implementation of customer service systems, resulting in as much as a 15 percent increase in customer experience scores. He also was credited with creating a successful company-wide customer courtesy program.
Charley’s was founded in 1986 by Charley Shin. Plans call for the franchise to have at least 500 restaurants open by the end of 2011.
