Franchising
R&R BBQ names former MOD, Qdoba exec as president
May 11, 2020
R&R BBQ, based in Utah, has named Neil Harfert as president, as the brand's founders, Rod and Roger Livingston, are retiring, according to a company press release.
"Neil is a proven and respected leader who has delivered strong operating results through a long career in the food and beverage industry, with powerhouse brands like Qdoba, Modern Market Eatery and MOD Pizza," Greg Warnock, a member of the R&R BBQ board of directors and managing partner of Mercato Partners' Savory Fund which oversees R&R. "I am confident that Neil will continue to lead our executive team and 350-plus team members to achieve great success and carry on the incredible brand the Livingstons created over five years ago."
Prior to joining R&R BBQ, Harfert served as VP of Field Operations for MOD Pizza where he helped lead the chain from 25 restaurants in five states to more than 255 units in 18 states over a five-year period. His experience also includes heading operations for Modmarket Farm Fresh Eateries, Qdoba Mexican Eats and others.
"Having served in leadership capacities for over 26 years in the restaurant industry, I am excited for this opportunity to work with such a beloved brand that is poised for great success," Harfert said in the release. "The Livingstons created the best championship BBQ concept I have seen in America. That is why I decided to move my family from Seattle to Salt Lake City — to make sure more people have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing food that R&R BBQ smokes each day as we grow throughout the Western United States."
Under Rod and Roger Livingston's leadership, the company grew from a championship barbecue competition team, to a chain of eight restaurants along the Wasatch Front.
With eight locations serving the Wasatch front, one in the Vivint Smart Home Arena, and a full-service catering kitchen, R&R is adding more locations within the state and surrounding areas in the coming months and years.
