Wienerschnitzel Promotes J.R. Galardi to CEO

Irvine, Calif. — Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, has promoted J.R. Galardi to the role of chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2022. The title of CEO has been added to his current position as company president, which he has held since 2017. In his expanded role, Galardi will oversee all Galardi Group Inc. concepts including Wienerschnitzel, Tastee Freez and Hamburger Stand.

Having grown up with the brand, Galardi brings two decades of unique insight and experience to his elevated leadership role. His first job was with Wienerschnitzel as a janitor and over the years has touched nearly every facet of the business, from the fry station and drive-thru window to marketing, operations, community relations and business development. Galardi’s multidimensional experience will prove fruitful as he steps into the CEO role and leads the health and future of Galardi Group Inc.’s three growing brands. Former CEO Cindy Galardi Culpepper will maintain her role as executive chairman.

“I’m honored to continue my father’s legacy and have the opportunity to build upon the brand he created over 60 years ago in addition to the extended portfolio of concepts he believed in,” says Galardi. “We say this is a family business, but that isn’t defined by name or relation; it’s an unwavering commitment to our extended family of franchise partners in providing them with the tools to thrive while also delivering a consistently enjoyable experience to our loyal guests.”

Under Galardi’s leadership as company president, same-store sales increased 42%, digital sales have grown 400% and all areas of service improved significantly. New franchise area agreements were signed throughout the South and Northwest, and Galardi spearheaded the creation of Wienerschnitzel’s international division to expand trademarks outside the United States. Another hallmark of Galardi’s tenure, Wienerschnitzel successfully lowered the average age of its customer base while maintaining the loyalty of its legacy guests. Through engaging brand partnerships, innovative marketing initiatives and guest-friendly digital upgrades, Galardi turned the more than 60-year-old brand into one with multigenerational appeal.

As CEO, Galardi has his sights set on opening Wienerschnitzel locations outside the U.S. before year’s end. He also plans to embrace new industry disrupters like virtual kitchens, product licensing and other non-traditional ways of serving its popular menu creations both domestically and abroad. Along with focusing on the profitability of all brands, Galardi will expand efforts under Wienerschnitzel’s “Serving Food to Serve Others” mission to provide even more resources and financial aid to for-cause organizations primarily benefiting children in need and the homeless.

Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, Calif., Wienerschnitzel is a pioneer of the quick-service food industry. Based in Irvine, Calif., Galardi Group Inc. franchises nearly 350 Wienerschnitzel restaurants in 10 states with more than 50 units in various stages of development across the U.S. The Galardi Group is also the parent company and franchisor of Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez, LLC. For more information, visit www.wienerschnitzelfranchise.com.

 

 

 

SOURCE: Galardi Group, Inc.