Austin, Texas — Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants has promoted Justin Murakami to chief operating officer, recognizing his exemplary contributions and leadership in steering operational growth and innovation. His promotion signals a pivotal phase in executing Sprinkles’ growth strategies domestically and internationally.
“Justin’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success, especially in expanding Sprinkles’ global footprint and Picnik’s domestic expansion,” says Dan Mesches, president and CEO of Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants. “We’re confident that under Justin’s leadership, we’ll continue to exceed expectations, scale efficiently and solidify our position as industry leaders.”
Since joining Sprinkles in 2017, Murakami swiftly became an integral part of the company’s evolution. His instrumental role in developing and implementing foundational systems and processes laid the groundwork in expanding the brand’s physical footprint with both company-owned and franchised locations, domestically and internationally. Notably, under his stewardship, Justin took the brand’s iconic cupcake ATMs beyond their brick-and-mortar locales and launched the non-traditional Cupcake ATM business. With over 50 ATMs and counting, Sprinkles ATMs can be found in airports, malls and lifestyle centers across the country. Murakami was also instrumental in the successful launch of Sprinkles’ National Shipping Program, creating another channel for significant growth.
With an impressive career spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Murakami has navigated through the ranks starting as a host, then becoming a GM at the Cheesecake Factory to an area director overseeing multiple brands with Lettuce Entertain You and Hopdoddy Burger Bar.
As COO, Murakami will lead operations, training, supply chain, culinary, franchise operations, and new bakery and restaurant openings. His responsibilities include partnering with cross-functional departments, identifying opportunities and gaps, formulating and implementing robust processes and systems to ensure scalability and ease for the team.
Sprinkles offers premium cupcakes, cakes and cookies that are baked fresh in small batches throughout the day. Sprinkles opened its first bakery in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 2005. In 2012, Sprinkles debuted the world’s first Cupcake ATM and has grown to over 70 bakeries and ATMs coast to coast. For more information, visit www.sprinkles.com.
SOURCE: Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants