‘Shining star’ will be responsible for all aspects of the concept’s global operations
Crest Foods Inc., franchisor of the successful Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip concept, announced today that Shawnon Bellah has been named Chief Operating Officer of the 145-location international chain. Bellah has served as Senior Vice President of Global Operations since January 2010.
In announcing her promotion, Crest Foods Inc. CEO Ziad Dalal, founder of the Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip concept, noted that Bellah has been an invaluable member of his executive team and one of the people most responsible for the chain’s growth and success both domestically and overseas.
“It’s safe to say that the Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip concept would not be in the enviable position that it is in today without Shawnon’s tireless work and outstanding contributions over the past several years,” said Dalal. “She has been a shining star for us in every role she’s undertaken, and our franchise partners around the world have come to rely upon her for leadership and guidance in virtually every aspect of the business.”
Bellah began her career in the hospitality industry with Razzoo’s Cajun Café in 1999. She moved on to Metromedia Restaurant Group in 2001, working in the franchise operations group in support of the Bennigan’s brand. She served as Bennigan’s Manager of Operations Services & Training until 2008, when she was hired as Director of Training and Menu Development for Nestlé Toll House Café.
Bellah was promoted to Vice President of Operations in January 2009, and to Senior Vice President of Global Operations one year later. Under her direction, Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip average unit volume (AUV) has continued its positive sales growth and café unit count has continuously grown in the U.S. Bellah also initiated the opening and growth of the concept in the Middle East and Canada. The franchise organization now has more than 2,000 employees and 145 cafés.
“From the day I started here, I’ve loved this brand and have found great satisfaction in helping it grow and working with our amazing franchise partners,” said Bellah. “I can’t thank Ziad enough for the faith he’s put in me over the past several years, and the opportunities he’s given me to grow professionally along with our business. I’m excited about this new challenge and looking forward to continuing to be a part of the success story at Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip.”
In her new role, Bellah will add strategic concept leadership and positioning to her portfolio, focusing on additional growth at the ground level from various platforms in the café. In addition, she will increase her support in the areas of marketing, construction and training.
“Shawnon isn’t just dedicated, she’s fearless,” continued Dalal. “She hasn’t hesitated to go wherever our franchise partners have needed her, and her indefatigable work ethic raises the bar for everyone around her.”
The premium dessert destination concept is built around one of the world’s most beloved food brands – Nestlé. Along with its universally loved Nestlé Toll House cookies and cookie cakes, the chain serves brownies, muffins, smoothies, ice creams, cold drinks and Nescafé Milano coffee.
Bellah lives in Lucas, Texas, with her two children, Grant and Bethany.
Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip is a premiere dessert and bakery café offering customers an unrivaled experience through the use of fine ingredients, indulgent creations, distinct flavor profiles, and the rich tradition of the very best Nestlé brands. Crest Foods Inc., franchisor of Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip, based in Richardson, Texas, is a premiere restaurant franchisor company. The company currently franchises nearly 150 bakery cafés in the United States, Canada and the Middle East. The versatile concept has kiosk, in-line mall and street café locations. The first café opened in 2000. Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine’s “Franchise 500” for the last nine consecutive years through 2015.
For more information please visit www.nestlecafe.com.
