Atlanta — The Krystal Company has hired two senior executives with extensive QSR experience to lead its ongoing revitalization plan. Tim Ward fills the newly created position of president and chief operating officer, and Bruce Vermilyea joins the brand as chief financial officer.
Ward joins Krystal from Captain D’s where he served as chief operating officer. During his tenure with Captain D’s, the company enjoyed 8 straight years of positive same-store sales and developed a pipeline of over 100 new restaurant locations. Ward held previous roles at Arby’s/RTM and NPC International/Pizza Hut.
Vermilyea has similarly worked in multiple industry leadership roles, notably serving 18 years with Qdoba Restaurant Corporation including 3 years as chief financial officer.
“We’re adding Tim and Bruce to the team because of the operational excellence they have driven at brands that have a lot in common with Krystal,” says Michael A. Klump, founder and CEO of Argonne Capital Group, which owns Krystal and other multi-unit concepts. “We look forward to working with Tim, Bruce and the rest of the Krystal team to build upon some of our recent wins including facility improvements, improved food quality, a recently announced refranchising initiative and the signing of our first franchise development agreement in over a decade.”
The Krystal Company worked with Chris Wunder at Leap Hospitality on these executive placements. Following these additions, President & CEO Paul Macaluso and CFO Berry Epley are leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.
Founded in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1932, The Krystal Company is the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South. Today, it has approximately 320 restaurants in nine states. Krystal’s Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 7,500 employees. For more information, visit https://krystal.com/.
SOURCE: The Krystal Company