Atlanta — Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG), parent company of the franchisor of the Arby’s brand, has signed several recent franchise development agreements beginning late fourth quarter 2015 through March 15, 2016 for the development of 138 new restaurants. This news follows a strong year of development for Arby’s in 2015 with 61 new restaurant openings and 179 remodels system-wide.
“As we begin 2016 and execute against our strategic priority to expand aggressively in the United States and select global markets, this is an encouraging start to the year for Arby’s,” says Paul Brown, chief executive officer, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We are more focused than ever on bringing Arby’s restaurants to new markets and further expanding in existing markets.”
Arby’s remains on track with its goal to reach $4 billion in total system-wide same-store sales (SSS) by the end of 2018. Arby’s achieved industry-leading system U.S. SSS growth of 8.1% in 2015 — more than three times the growth rate of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry*. Revitalized restaurants have experienced post-remodel SSS increases of approximately 15% — in some cases upwards of 20%.
Additionally, the ARG development team has added new leadership to help guide the brand’s growth. In September 2015, industry leader Greg Vojnovic, was named chief development officer, reporting to Brown and joining the Arby’s executive team.
Restaurant industry veteran Jim Cannon recently joined the team as senior vice president, design, architecture & construction. Cannon joins ARG from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and will be responsible for achieving annual goals for company and franchise new restaurant and remodel growth and leading, planning and executing building design prototypes in collaboration with the development team and operations leadership.
In addition, Ray Lauletti joined as vice president of real estate. Lauletti joins the company from Retro Fitness, a New Jersey-based fitness club chain, and will be responsible for leading the real estate team, overseeing real estate strategic planning, asset management and site selection for new restaurant openings for both ARG and franchisee development.
Patrick Pons joined as managing director, Arby’s international. Pons joins most recently from Famous Brands International where he was vice president of international operations supporting 25 countries and over 400 locations globally. Pons will lead international franchise recruitment and operations for ARG.
* SOURCE: The NPD Group/SalesTrack® Weekly reports same store sales collected weekly from 45 of the larger QSR chains during Q4 2015 ending December 27, 2015.
Arby’s, founded in 1964, is the first nationally franchised sandwich restaurant brand, with more than 3,300 restaurants worldwide. Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the parent company of the franchisor of the Arby’s brand and is headquartered in Atlanta. For more information, visit Arbys.com.
SOURCE: Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.