Todd Ewen, Whataburger | All images courtesy of the brands.
Whataburger announced the appointment of Todd Ewen as senior vice president and chief development officer. In his new role, Ewen will lead the company’s growth strategy as the company continues expanding to new communities across the U.S. He brings over two decades of experience to the job, including a role as development director and real estate manager at McDonald’s.
Kate Ward, Bojangles
Kate Ward is the new chief legal officer for Bojangles. She was previously with KFC U.S., where she spent a decade working on legal strategy, franchise relations and compliance.
Jane McPherson has been named SVP of marketing at Penn Station East Coast Subs. The seasoned executive has over three decades of experience, joining fast-casual Penn Station following a successful tenure as SVP of marketing for Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, where she helped grow the brand’s unit count by 40% and significantly boosted top-line sales.
Dillas Quesadillas, based in Dallas, has named Michelle Williams senior brand and marketing manager. She served previously as area leader of marketing for Raising Cane’s, and she held multiple roles at Jimmy John’s.
After nearly two decades of leadership, Peter J. Boylan III is retiring as president and CEO of Ballard Brands, the parent company of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and WOW American Eats. David Mesa, who has been with the company for eight years, is taking the helm of the franchise division, where he previously served as chief development officer and executive vice president.
Winter Park, Florida-based Artistry Restaurants, the multi-concept operator of about 50 restaurants in five states across seven brands, has named chef Clifford Pleau to the role of chief innovation officer, a newly created position. Pleau joined the group to help with development of the latest concept to open, The Chapman, in Winter Park. He was previously executive partner with Shaping America’s Plate Inc., and he was co-creator and former executive chef of Darden’s Seasons 52 and Walt Disney World’s California Grill. He’s also a former VP of culinary R&D for Bloomin’ Brands Inc.
Raul Casillas is the new creative chef for Puesto, the eight-unit family of Mexican restaurants in California. He trained with chef Roberto Alcocer and helped with the launch of Malva in Valle de Guadalupe, as well as the Michelin-starred Valle in Oceanside, California.
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