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RAVE Restaurant group names new president of Pizza Inn

RAVE Restaurant Group Inc has named Bob Bafundo as the new president of Pizza Inn.

March 1, 2016

RAVE Restaurant Group Inc has named Bob Bafundo as the new president of Pizza Inn, an international pizza chain under RAVE Restaurant Group Inc, according to a company press release. Bafundo has more than 30 years of restaurant experience. In his new role he will be responsible for all Pizza Inn operations, marketing and training functions across the company. Additionally, he will oversee the opening of new Pizza Inn locations in the United States and overseas. Bafundo will report directly to Randy Gier, CEO of RAVE Restaurant Group Inc.

"We're excited for Bob to join the RAVE team," Gier said. "Bob has a proven level of leadership, a track record of building strong teams, driving performance and working with franchisees to create great customer experiences.  We look forward to the impact he will have on continuing to rebuild the Pizza Inn brand."

Bafundo most recently served as president of Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a Denver-based fast casual restaurant/ With a background in operations, Bafundo has worked single and multi-unit operations with restaurants such as KFC, Tin Star Southwest Grill, Back Yard Burgers and Rax Restaurants, the release stated.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to join the Pizza Inn family," Bafundo said. "My initial focus will be on fully immersing myself in the brand and culture, which includes visiting restaurants, meeting with employees of all levels and of course sampling all the great pizza."

Bafundo built the franchise program for Garbanzo and also led company operations, including implementing many of the systems that were critical for the emerging brand. Along with holding numerous positions in operations and franchising, he also served as a franchisee for Tin Star Southwest Grill and an area developer for Sport Clips.