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Fatburger names new president, COO

February 20, 2018

FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo's Cafe, Buffalo's Express, Ponderosa and Bonanza, has named Toni M. Bianco as president and COO of Fatburger. 

Bianco will work side-by-side with CEO Andy Wiederhorn, and the brand's former president and COO, Don Berchtold, is taking on a new role as EVP and chief concept officer for FAT Brands. He will assist in the development of innovative new concept designs across FAT Brands' portfolio, according to a company release. 

"I've always been drawn to brands like Fatburger that offer a vivid history and culture, yet continue to push themselves toward a promising and exciting future," Bianco said in the release. “It's beyond exciting to think about the possibilities with this brand."

Prior to joining Fatburger, Bianco oversaw international expansion deals for Papa John's, where he drove more than 30 openings, primarily in Asia. Most recently, he managed global operations, training, development and IT for Long John Silver's. His actions led to the highest customer satisfaction in years and 16 consecutive periods of same-store sales growth, according to the release.

"Toni brings extensive experience and insight that will be integral to the continued growth of the brand,"  said Wiederhorn, who is keynoting the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, July 16-18 in London. "We are grateful for all that Don has accomplished for us at Fatburger, and look forward to what he can do across all concepts under the FAT umbrella."

FAT Brands's concepts make up about 350 locations and have 300 under development in 32 countries.