STRATEGIC PARTNERS
September 16, 2013
Atlanta-based fast casual franchise, Tin Drum Asiacafé, has added seven new positions to its leadership and corporate support team to shore up its substantial franchise and corporate growth, according to a company press release. Two industry veterans, both from Arby's Restaurant Group, will join the leadership team in new roles — Ray Biondi as COO and Joe Ippolito as VP of operations.
With more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Biondi was previously SVP of franchise management for Arby's and 2,500 of its restaurants. He also was a partner and SVP at RTM, Arby's largest franchisee, for nearly 10 years. He was on the founding team of D'Lites of America, one of the first QSR concepts to offer fast food with an emphasis on nutrition. As EVP, Biondi helped the restaurant concept grow to more than 100 restaurants.
"I've seen the potential grow for quality food done quickly, which attracted me to the Tin Drum concept," said Biondi. "Founder Steven Chan backs up his concept with conscientious menu development, an efficient process, and units that deliver a strong return on investment. With a strong financial partner, BIP Opportunities Fund, I saw a winning formula at Tin Drum and a remarkable opportunity for franchisees."
Ippolito is a restaurant and franchise industry veteran with a 25-year track record of driving unit growth, profits, guest experience, real estate selection and training/developing people, according to the release. As VP of operations at Arby's, he was credited with leading its most profitable region in the Midwest, as well as overseeing numerous restaurant and product initiatives. He has also worked with such brands as Firehouse Subs, Tim Horton's and Boston Market.
With 13 restaurants in Atlanta and in Augusta, Ga., the Pan Asian concept, Tin Drum recently announced multi-unit openings across Central Florida and in Nashville, Tenn., and launched aggressive strategic development initiatives, to be supported by the growing team.
"We have hired industry leaders with exceptional experience at developing systems, people and culture to aggressively grow the Tin Drum brand," said Steven Chan, CEO and founder of Tin Drum Asiacafe. "We are providing our franchisees with the resources for their success."
Also from Arby's Restaurant Group, Jen Forbes joins Tin Drum as the new director of training for franchisees, and Dawn Agueros brings expertise to the new role of director of human resources.
Other new execs include:
To meet the needs of its fast-growing team, Tin Drum has moved its corporate headquarters to Roswell, Ga., according to the release.
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