In the new position, Murray will take charge of all initial and ongoing franchisee training processes, as well as work closely with both the Field Operations and Unit Level Economics Directors with specific system issues, all in the continual effort of driving strong unit level economics. Additionally, he will share accountability for organizing and deploying new unit opening teams across the country.
“With the great success we’ve had bringing on experienced, multiunit franchisees, we are happy to expand our team with Bryant as Director of Franchise System Training. He will bring the necessary depth to our team to handle the flow of restaurant openings we have scheduled for the next several years,” said Sam Ballas, CEO for East Coast Wings & Grill. “His leadership and experience will elevate our training to an even higher level, sharing with franchisees and their management teams our focus on unit level profitability.”
Murray comes to East Coast Wings with 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, 17 years in management and 14 in training and opening new units. Prior to joining the team as Director of Franchise System Training, he spent time with Pizza Hut and, most recently, Golden Corral.
“Bryant brings the experience needed to our corporate team from years of training and opening units across the country,” said Tom Scalese, Chief Operating Officer of East Coast Wings & Gill. “Having spent five months managing and operating an East Coast Wings unit as a prerequisite to joining the corporate team, Bryant has firsthand knowledge of the focus we expect in the execution of our system. This appointment strengthens our ability in the continued expansion plans going forward.”
The addition of an executive appointment for franchise system training comes from a monumental year for East Coast Wings & Grill. Continuing to outperform others in the casual dining segment, the burgeoning brand had sales of more than $33 million in 2012 and recently enjoyed its 39th consecutive quarter of same store sales increases due to proprietary systems focused on economics at the unit level. With 26 locations open and operating throughout North Carolina and Texas, the casual dining restaurant has signed agreements to add over 80 new restaurants over the next five years, including development plans in Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
“Having spent two decades in the restaurant industry, I thought I knew everything there is to know – until I joined East Coast Wings & Grill. The brand’s dedication to unit level development fits my style of training and management,” said Bryant Murray, Director of Franchise System Training at East Coast Wings & Grill. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with a company that has a genuine interest in helping their franchisees succeed.”
East Coast Wings & Grill, a fast growing casual dining chicken wing franchise, has 26 locations and has signed agreements to add 80 new restaurants across the country within the next five years. The franchise concept not only caters to the chicken wing lover by offering 75 different flavors of chicken wings in any of nine heat intensities, but also salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and more, all using fresh, not frozen ingredients. To learn more about the franchise concept or about exciting franchise opportunities please visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com for more information.
