Staffing
FAT Brands hires chief real estate officer, growing in Chicago
November 9, 2021
FAT Brands Inc. has hired its first chief real estate officer, Justin Nedelman, who was previously the CEO of Eureka Restaurant Group LLC, where he led the company from its inception in 2009 through growth until his departure in January 2021. Overseeing the real estate of FAT Brands' growing portfolio of over 2,100 restaurants, Nedelman will help support organic growth with existing franchisees while also spearheading further real estate expansion across the brands' 15 concepts, according to a company press release.
During his time at Eureka, Nedelman grew the brand to 26 company-owned and operated restaurants in six states including California, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Idaho and Nevada. Prior to Eureka, he was a partner at Investwest Companies, a boutique commercial real estate and integrated investment, development and property management company based in Los Angeles.
"Justin brings significant real estate finance, leasing, acquisition and development experience to FAT Brands," FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in the release. "We are currently in high-growth mode, so Justin couldn't have come on-board at a better time. He brings tremendous value to the team as both a retail real estate financier and former operator of a polished casual dining concept, an area we recently expanded into with the acquisition of Twin Peaks."
FAT Brands hitting Illinois
Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, two of FAT's concepts, are heading to Illinois via a partnership with A.D.T.J. Development LLC to open 25 Fatburger and Buffalo's Express stores over the next eight years throughout Chicago and the surrounding area.
"The city of Chicago has a vibrant restaurant scene and has welcomed fast casual eateries over the past decade. It's an exciting time for FAT Brands to be growing our presence in the area," Wiederhorn said in the release. "We are eager to plant our roots down in Chicago and the state as a whole, delivering an unparalleled burger and wing experience to new audiences."
