News

Life after McDonald’s: former marketing exec becomes Uncle Maddio’s franchisee

October 21, 2016

Former McDonald's executive Craig Tappin has returned to his Denver hometown to open three Uncle Maddio's units. The deal will bring the total Uncle Maddio's Denver-area locations to five, according to a company press release. The pizza chain operates two restaurants in Aurora and Westminster. Tappin's first restaurant will open in Castle Rock at 3990 Limelight Ave., in the Hilltop Commons Center at the corner of Meadows Parkway and Limelight Ave.  

Tappin, who has a long history in the restaurant industry, spent his career working for McDonald's and Einstein Bagels. At McDonald's, he was responsible for the launch of the "I'm loving it"  campaign in the USA and served as chief of staff to the McDonald's President and COO. He also served as CMO at Einstein Bagels.

"After a long career in the restaurant business, I am ready to take on a new challenge as a franchise owner," Tappin said. "I was so impressed by the fresh ingredients and homemade pizza, as well as the management team that has set up a franchise operating system designed for success. I knew it was the right opportunity for me to bring Uncle Maddio's to my hometown.  I have always planned to return to Denver and now is the right time to do so."

Denver has a strong economy, which presents an excellent opportunity for the brand, said Matt Andrew, Uncle Maddio's CEO. 

"As we continue to grow, it is franchise partners like Craig who will help to make our expansion a success," he said.

Since launching its growth plan in 2008, Uncle Maddio's has signed franchise agreements with 65 entities in 19 states, Andrew said. Many of Uncle Maddio's franchisees have previous multi-unit experience with Jimmy John's, Firehouse Subs, Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Burger King, Krystal, Papa John's, Domino's and Golden Corral. Uncle Maddio's is on track to have 250 restaurants open in five years with 1,000 units in development, Andrew said.