News

Former Red Mango exec takes over UGrill franchise ops

UFood Grill has named Bob DiBartolomeo as its vice president of franchise development and is also planning to add 100 new locations over the next four years.

July 9, 2015

UFood Grill has named Bob DiBartolomeo as  vice president of franchise development and planning to add 100 new locations over the next four years, according to a company press release.

DiBartolomeo will focus on the launch of a new traditional restaurant prototype, building on the existing non-traditional locations in the UFood Grill network and giving new and existing franchisees more options to meet the growing consumer demand for fast casual healthy dining, said Salvatore Rincione, CEO of UFood Grill.

"Bob is one of the best franchise restaurant development executives in America with an incredible track record for growing restaurant brands and turning them into household names," Rincione said. "With aggressive plans to expand UFood Grill to more traditional franchise locations across the U.S., Bob will play a key leadership role to help make that happen."

DiBartolomeo most recently helped Red Mango expand to a national and international franchise network, and was responsible for awarding more than 250 franchise locations over six years. His career highlights include growing franchise brands such as 7-Eleven, Dunkin' Donuts, Quiznos, RedBrick Pizza and Smoothie Factory, according to a company press release.

In his new role for UFood Grill, DiBartolomeo will target experienced restaurant operators and multi-unit franchise investors looking to add a growing brand to their portfolios. He calls the healthy quotient of UFood Grill's menu a game-changer for the restaurant industry.

"After eating at UFood Grill, I became an instant fan and I knew I wanted to play a role in expanding this franchise," DiBartolomeo said. "This concept has all the elements of a national player with a great menu, strong operations, a healthy business model, and one of the best executive teams in the business."

The UFood Grill menu includes chicken, beef, turkey and veggie burgers, unfries, steak tips, wraps, bowls, salads and paninis prepared fresh using natural and organic ingredients, whole grains, light cheeses, and freshly-made dressings. Meals are low in calories, fat and sodium and are made to order. Nothing is ever fried. Beverages include real fruit smoothies and specialty teas.