Staffing

Scooter's promoting president to CEO

Photo: Scooter's

November 2, 2023

Scooter's Coffee President Joe Thornton will take over as CEO, effective Jan. 1, succeding Todd Graeve, who is retiring at the end of the year.

"Joe has been a blessing for our business since joining as President. He's an exceptionally experienced leader in the restaurant, franchise and retail industry, and I know Joe is the right leader for us in our next acceleration of growth," Don Eckles, co-founder and chairman of Scooter's Coffee, said in a company press release.

The remainder of 2023 will serve as a transitional period for Thornton and Graeve.

"I am honored to continue the leadership legacy and lead Scooter's Coffee into the future in support of our franchisees and employees. The family roots, core values and stability of this company are unmatched," Thornton said in the release. "I knew this company was special from the moment that I arrived, and I have a deep commitment to ensure that we continue to build an enduring brand."

Thornton, who was formerly COO of HMSHost and COO of Jamba Juice, also spent 25 years combined at Starbucks and Blockbuster in executive leadership roles earlier in his career.

"During this exciting time and planned transition, I also must acknowledge the incredible impact Todd had on the company. We wouldn't be where we are today without him," Eckles said in the release. "He always walked with integrity and was vigilant about protecting the company's core values as we grew. Every brand says they will maintain their core values as they grow but often lose their way somehow."

Graeve joined Scooter's Coffee in 2005 as a franchisee and developer in Kansas City, alongside his business partners. In 2008, he joined the leadership team at the company as CFO of Scooter's Coffee before transitioning to CEO in April 2016.

"Almost 20 years ago, I started on this journey at Scooter's Coffee as a franchisee, and I'm so excited to circle back to my beginnings and help my family with their Scooter's Coffee franchise journey," said Graeve. "I will always treasure my time as CFO, CEO and a franchisee, and I will be rooting loudly from the sidelines as this company continues to build on its greatness."

Scooter's has nearly 750 stores in 30 states.