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Second Cup names former Wingstop executive Joe Walker CEO

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August 4, 2026

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Joe Walker, Courtesy of Second Cup Coffee Company, Inc

Toronto-based Second Cup Coffee Co. has named former Wingstop executive Joe Walker as its CEO. Walker will be based primarily in the Middle East, where he will oversee the region's development as an international hub for the coffee chain while also leading Canadian operations.

At Wingstop, Walker led the brand's expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He also held senior leadership roles with Yolk Brands and Starbucks after beginning his career at McDonald's and KFC.

Second Cup was founded in Toronto in 1975, and expanded operations internationally in 2009 through a separate entity, The Second Cup Coffee Company, Inc.

Second Cup said it is seeking qualified franchisees to support its international growth. The company already has an established presence in the Middle East, East and West Africa, Asia, Europe and other international markets.