Staffing
Charcuterie concept hires national accounts director to fuel franchise growth
May 31, 2023
Graze Craze, a charcuterie and graze-style fast casual concept, has hired sales veteran Ryan Papillo as director of national accounts. Reporting to Graze Craze President Cory Hibbard, Papillo, who has held various positions at Acquisition.com, PosiGivity, CorporateGift.com and GourmetGiftBaskets.com, will be responsible for continuing to develop a national accounts program aimed to generate business opportunities for new and existing franchise locations.
"We're excited to welcome Ryan at this pivotal time for Graze Craze," Hibbard said in a company press release. "As we prepare to break out as a leading national brand in a top dining category, Ryan was the perfect choice to lead us there."
The National Restaurant Association's 2023 What's Hot forecast lists charcuterie as one of the top 10 dining trends and the No. 1 appetizer choice. U.S. sales of charcuterie meats and snacks topped $950 million in 2020 and continue to grow at about 10% per year.
"I'm proud to join Graze Craze, one of the most innovative and creative concepts in any space," Papillo said in the release. "They took a perennial dining style that was seeing unprecedented demand and built it into a powerful brand. I look forward to building on the groundwork that's already been laid so successfully."
Since launching its franchise program in 2021, Graze Craze has grown to 36 locations in 20 states with 24 locations coming soon and expansion into Arkansas and Virginia expected before the end of the year.
Graze Craze is a member of Starpoint Brands, a division of United Franchise Group
