Staffing

The Great Greek hires VP of operations

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has appointed Angelo Freites to VP of operations. Provided.

May 10, 2023

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has appointed Angelo Freites to VP of operations. In his role he will oversee customer experience, unit-level profitability and sales growth as well as franchise success, according to Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.

"We are so pleased to welcome Angelo to our growing team to oversee our operations at this exciting time in our brand story," Andersen said in a company press release. "Angelo brings with him a wealth of knowledge in restaurant franchise operations, with a career spanning more than four decades. With The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in position for exponential growth in the coming years, we're excited to tap into Angelo's vast expertise and leverage his unique strengths that will further the success of our brand."

Freites has been a franchisee of Wendy's, Checkers Drive-In and Popeyes, and eventually shifted his focus to consulting with emerging and established restaurant brands on every aspect of their business from strategic planning and operations to executive mentoring and marketing.

"The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill immediately captured my attention as a stand-out concept in its category, defining a niche in the 'fine fast casual' space and leading the way in its food and customer experience," Freites said in the release. "I'm so excited to join this concept at a pivotal point in its journey and leverage my expertise to streamline and enhance its operations during what will continue to be a significant growth phase for the brand. Not to mention, I Iove the great tasting food!"

Additionally, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has welcomed back Tricia Rowe to its franchise support team as a trainer-business adviser, where she will report to David Espin, manager of new restaurant openings. Originally hired as a manager to help hire and train the staff at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Palm Beach Gardens, Rowe rejoins The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill as the brand plans to open over 20 restaurants in 2023 and make entry into six states, with over 50 locations in active development.

The Great Greek, which experienced its most successful year in company history in 2022, has continued its growth trajectory in the first quarter of 2023, opening two locations and expanding its footprint into California. Founded in 2011, the brand is a member of Starpoint Brands, a division of United Franchise Group.