Staffing

WOWorks hires 2 culinary VPs

Provided

August 25, 2022

WOWorks has appointed Cole Thompson as VP of culinary for Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina. WOWorks is the holding company of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup Eatery,

Thompson, a classically trained chef from the culinary school at Johnson & Wales University, most recently served as the corporate executive chef at RaceTrac, according to a company press release.

Katie Cavuto, executive chef of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, will transition into a newly created role of VP of culinary for Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and Zoup! Eatery.

"We created our new vice president of culinary roles because menu innovation and keeping abreast of the fresh, exciting flavors and ingredients is a crucial part of each of our restaurants at WOWorks," Woworks CEO Kelly Roddy said in the release. "We want our guests at each of our restaurant brands to enjoy seasonal and fresh menu items that not only provide a healthier meal choice, but also satisfy their desire for tasty offerings."

Thompson will report to John Geyerman, chief brand officer for Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, and Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina. He will oversee culinary research and development, menu innovation; study and forecast consumer flavor trends; and create guiding principles to deliver best-in-class food and beverage offerings for each brand's company-owned and franchised stores. Previously, Thompson spent nearly three years as culinary R&D director at Moe's Southwest Grille.

"I joined WOWorks because it's a company made up of some truly amazing people and brands," Thompson in the release. "At WOWorks, I have the opportunity to provide our guests with better-for-you ingredients that are bold, 'craveable' and full of flavor."

WOWorks was formed in 2020 and is owned by Centre Lane Partners.