Staffing

Former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Johnny Rockets CEO tapped to lead Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers has hired John Fuller as president and CEO. Provided

May 28, 2020

Wahlburgers, a Boston-based fast casual restaurant with 37 locations in North America, the U.K. and Europe, has hired John Fuller as president and CEO.

Most recently, Fuller served as CEO at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, where he contributed to the Los Angeles-based company's significant international growth, according to a company news release. Prior to that role, he held the titles of CFO and then president and CEO of Johnny Rockets, a global hamburger chain with over 350 franchise and corporate-owned locations. His previous experience also includes acting as CFO and controller for numerous hospitality and fast casual brands such as Rubio's, Carl's Jr., and Del Taco. 

"As our company continues to expand here in the U.S. and across the globe, John's experience and insight into the restaurant business on an international scale will be extremely valuable in ensuring that we set ourselves up for long-term success," said Mark Wahlberg, actor and the brand's co-owner, in the release.   

Fuller said he was ready to hit the ground running to focus on the company's overall growth, expansion and opportunities as the industry begins to resurge and carve the path toward a new normal.

"Having watched from afar, and now joining the Wahlburgers team, I look forward to helping take such a well-positioned and popular brand to the next level," he said in the release. 

Patrick Renna, who has served as the brand's president and CFO since June 2018, will now devote his full attention to his CFO role, a title he held before stepping up to replace former CEO Rick Vanzura. Renna will continue to provide finance and strategic leadership that builds on the company's existing foundation for future success, according to the release.