Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has hired its first chief information officer, Michael G. Chachula. Chachula joins FAT Brands with over 25 years of senior management experience in business and technology and will be focused on delivering scalable, sustainable and efficient technology platforms across the portfolio and franchise system to aid in the growth of the company.
A seasoned executive with experience across the financial services, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and hospitality industries, Chachula has a track-record of identifying and implementing innovative technological solutions that drive further revenue growth. Most recently, Chachula was the head of digital and revenue growth for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. He focused on delivering an enterprise POS solution, CRM, marketing automation and cross-channel omnichannel growth solutions for the brand and its franchise system. Prior to that, Chachula served as the head of technology and executive director for IHOP® Restaurants within the Dine Brands Global Inc. portfolio. While at IHOP, Chachula introduced online ordering, delivery, POS and CRM alternatives, technology footprint simplifications and numerous other technology improvements.
“Michael’s experience is a perfect fit to support the growing FAT Brands’ portfolio,” says Thayer Wiederhorn, chief operating officer of FAT Brands. “Michael’s extensive technology background and industry knowledge will help FAT Brands strengthen our technology ecosystem, develop strategic partnerships and support our domestic and international growth which, in turn, will enable our company and franchisees to become more efficient and profitable.”
“Throughout the pandemic, technology has been front and center in the restaurant space, and, as we look to a post-COVID world, it will be even more imperative to have strong systems in place at the corporate, franchisee and consumer level,” says Chachula. “I look forward to amplifying what is currently in place and identifying new solutions that will keep FAT Brands at the forefront of our industry.”
FAT Brands is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast-casual, quick-service, casual dining and polished casual-dining concepts around the world. The company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information, visit www.fatbrands.com.
SOURCE: FAT Brands