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Fast Casual Alliance launches Web site, adds board members
April 14, 2009
The Fast Casual Alliance (FCA) has launched its membership and information Web site, and has announced the appointment of seven new members to its board of directors.
Appointed FCA board members include Dan Pittard, CEO of Rubio's Restaurants; Don Fox, COO of Firehouse Subs; Husein Kitabwalla, president of Retail Brand Group; Ed Frechette, SVP of Marketing Au Bon Pain; Dave Wolfgram, CEO of Forklift Brands; Mike Busley, CEO of Grand Traverse Pie Co.; and Eric Ersher, CEO of Zoup! Restaurants.
"We have some of the greatest leaders in the fast casual restaurant segment on the board now and look forward to their contributions during their 18-month term," said FCA president Louis Basile.
Founded in 2006, the alliance represents more than 375 companies in the fast casual restaurant segment.
The group's goals are to promote the segment's growth, increase consumer awareness of fast casual restaurants and support legislative issues designed to serve all of the restaurant industry.
"Fast casual was created by the consumer. They want the same quality and menu options as casual dining yet want to get in and out in less than 30 minutes," said Paul Barron, chairman of the FCA and publisher of
According to Technomic's report on the top 500 U.S. restaurant chains, sales growth is being led by the fast casual segment.
The Mexican category, led by Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba Mexican Grill, posted estimated U.S. systemwide sales growth of 20.7 and 17.8 percent, respectively. Standouts in the chicken segment included Wingstop and Zaxby's, which posted estimated sales growth of 23.6 and 17.9 percent, respectively. And the 10 fastest-growing chains in 2008 with sales over $200 million were led by Five Guys Burger & Fries, Jimmy John's, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Noodles & Co. and Wingstop.
The alliance will have a board meeting May 16 during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. The meeting will be followed by a cocktail reception at the Chicago Art Institute.
FCA Board Members include:
- Paul Barron (chairman), publisher of Fastcasual.com
- Louis Basile (president), chief executive officer of Wildflower Bread Co.
- Alan Hixon (vice president), president of MOOYAH Burgers & Fries
- Linda Duke (secretary), chief executive officer of Duke Marketing
- Larry Reinstein, CEO of Fresh City restaurants
- Darren Tristano, executive vice president, Technomic
- Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle restaurants
- Valerie Killfer, senior editor of Fastcasual.com
- Ken Clark, COO of Farmer Boys
- George Green, vice president of Bread & Co.
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