News

Le Duff America names new president for 3 concepts

October 3, 2012

Le Duff America Inc. has named Jeff Drake president of Brioche Dorée North America, Au Pain Doré and Michel's Bakery Café. As president, Drake will lead strategic growth and development for the three brands, which operate 60 cafés across the U.S. and Canada.

"Jeff Drake's extensive background in food and beverage management, talent development and operations is a great asset to Le Duff America," said Jim Vinz, co-CEO of Le Duff America. "His depth of experience and industry insight will play a key role in growing these brands."

An industry veteran with nearly 25 years of food and beverage experience, Drake previously served as president and chief operating officer of Go Roma, a fast casual Italian Café based in Chicago. As a founding partner of Go Roma, Drake helped create the concept, design and operational systems.

Prior to Go Roma, Drake served as chief operating officer of Boudin Sourdough Bakery Café in San Francisco. There, he helped re-position the brand for growth by building the operation, training and culinary leadership teams, updating café operating systems and leading the design and development of a new prototype as the brand's growth vehicle.

"I look forward to applying my extensive experience of the fast casual industry to serve Brioche Dorée, Au Pain Doré and Michel's Bakery Café," said Drake. "In my role as president, my number one priority is to ensure that high-quality cuisine is delivered to our customers each and every day."

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