Destin, Fla. — Rock N Roll Sushi has appointed restaurant and franchise executive Rick Gestring as its next chief executive officer. Gestring will lead the 80-unit concept into its next phase of growth, with a focus on strengthening the brand, supporting franchisee success and positioning Rock N Roll Sushi for continued expansion.
Most recently, Gestring served as brand officer for Tasty Restaurant Group, where he led the KFC and Taco Bell restaurant portfolio. Previously, he was senior vice president of franchise operations for Honey Baked Ham and chief restaurant officer at Blaze Pizza. His background also includes leadership roles with Dunkin’, Arby’s, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Taco Bell.
As Gestring steps into the CEO role, his focus will be on building upon Rock N Roll Sushi’s established foundation while identifying opportunities to strengthen restaurant operational performance, support franchisees and expand the brand’s reach.
Gestring succeeds Craig LeMieux, who had served as CEO since 2023 and helped guide Rock N Roll Sushi through a period of significant expansion. The two have been working closely together as part of a planned leadership transition to ensure continuity as the brand enters its next phase of growth.
“When I joined Rock N Roll Sushi, I saw an opportunity to lead a truly distinctive brand,” says LeMieux. “I’m proud of what our team and franchise partners have accomplished, and I know Rick understands what makes this brand and its franchise community special. I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes Rock N Roll Sushi next.”
Rock N Roll Sushi is a rock n’ roll-themed sushi restaurant brand. From humble beginnings in a modest 1,000-square-foot space tucked inside the Mobile Mall in Mobile, Ala., Rock N Roll Sushi has expanded to more than 80 locations across the southeastern U.S. in just a decade. For more information, visit www.rocknrollsushi.com.
SOURCE: Rock N Roll Sushi