Charley’s Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has promoted Bob Wright to President and Chief Operating Officer to help guide the brand into the future.
Bob Wright was named COO for Charley’s Grilled Subs in 2010. Since joining the company, Wright has been responsible for company and franchise operations, purchasing, training and marketing. As President, Wright will now assume the responsibilities for HR, IT and Business Analytics at the world’s leading Philly Cheesesteak chain known for their signature made-to-order sandwiches prepared with only 100 percent Certified USDA Choice Steak, all natural cheeses and fresh vegetables.
“Bob is focused on improving the customer experience at every Charley’s location as well as improving the sales and profitability for each of our valued franchisees and the company as a whole,” Charley’s Gilled Subs Founder and CEO, Charley Shin said. “He is a principle-centered leader that I have grown to respect and I trust he has the best interest of our brand, our employees, our vendor and franchise partners at heart.”
Wright has held executive/senior leadership positions in the food industry for over 17 years. Before joining Charley’s Bob was the EVP of Company and Franchise Operations at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Wendy’s VP of Operations and Training Integration and President of Cafe Express – a fast casual chain owned by Wendy’s.
At Charley’s, Wright recently led the development of the ‘We Love Feedback Guest Satisfaction’ program which will serve to improve the customers’ experiences in each location. Other accomplishments in his first year include further developing the freestanding Charley’s Philly Steaks restaurant brand which now has three restaurants open in Rockford, IL, Chillicothe, OH and Columbus, OH. With two more opening in early 2012 in Massillon, OH and Ontario, OH, Wright plans four more in Columbus, OH to follow throughout the year.
In 2011, Wright also led the expansion of an enhanced customer-oriented menu in several stores throughout the Charley’s system. The new menu includes three sandwich sizes, additional gourmet fries and real fruit lemonades and teas.
“Charley’s success is a direct result of our ability to deliver a differentiated fresh, quality food and service experience that today’s guest deserves,” said Wright. “Our focus will be to support and strengthen our franchisees and our outstanding employees so they will exceed the customers’ expectations every time they visit a Charley’s. I’m very humbled and proud to lead such a high-quality brand.”
The company, founded in 1986, has grown to more than 450 locations in 46 states and 16 countries. In addition to fast U.S. restaurant growth, Charley’s has also hit some milestones with development overseas – Charley’s recently signed its 12th location in the United Arab Emirates and will soon be opening in the Dubai International Airport in Terminal 1. In addition, Charley’s expanded in 2011 to the Dominican Republic and Brazil.
Charley’s Grilled Subs is famous for their hot, fresh made-to-order Philly Steak Sandwiches and other 100 percent Certified USDA choice steak, chicken and deli subs, gourmet fries and freshly squeezed lemonade. The company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has more than 450 locations worldwide in 46 states and 16 countries. Founded in 1986, more than 90 percent of all Charley’s Grilled Subs restaurants are run by franchisees. For more information, go to www.Charleys.com.
