Staffing

GoTo Foods appoints Omer Gajial as CEO; Holthouser to retire

GoTo Foods, the parent company of restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon, named Omer Gajial as its chief executive officer. Photo: GoTo

December 2, 2025

GoTo Foods, the parent company of restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon, named Omer Gajial as its chief executive officer.

Gajial succeeds Jim Holthouser, who is retiring after nearly six years leading the Atlanta-based company. The leadership transition is effective immediately.

Gajial brings more than 20 years of retail experience to the role. He most recently served as chief merchandising and digital officer at Albertsons, where he oversaw digital strategy and marketing for the grocer. He previously held leadership positions at Amazon and PepsiCo.

GoTo Foods, formerly known as Focus Brands, franchises and operates more than 7,100 locations across 50 states and 70 countries. Its portfolio includes Carvel, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, and Schlotzsky's.