Freebirds World Burrito, the fast casual burrito concept owned by Tavistock Restaurants, is pleased to announce the addition of industry veteran Bobby Shaw as Senior Vice President of Operations. In this role, Bobby will oversee more than 90 Freebirds World Burrito locations across seven states and support the growth of the brand through strategic planning initiatives and profit management best practices.
“We are thrilled with the addition of Bobby to our company,” said Charles Lewis, Chairman of Tavistock Restaurants. “He brings experience, drive, passion and a broad base of operational knowledge and execution, which will help us build on Freebirds’ success. I am so pleased to have Bobby join our executive leadership team.”
With more than 20 years of operational experience in the restaurant industry, Bobby spent the last decade with Chipotle Mexican Grill, during the company’s explosive growth.
Most recently, he served as an Executive Regional Director for one of Chipotle’s most successful regions in the U.S., responsible for 228 restaurants in ten states. Under his leadership, Chipotle entered a significant number of new markets that contributed to strong new restaurant opening sales for the company. Bobby also developed a team that achieved outstanding results, including 100 percent internal promotions, company leading results in comp sales and comp transaction growth, and exceptional profitability, all while creating a people focused culture.
Bobby began his career with McDonald’s Corporation in 1984 as a crewmember, where he rose through the ranks to multi-unit management, before joining Chipotle and helping to grow the brand.
“We are all excited to add Bobby to the executive management team at Freebirds,” said Keith Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Freebirds World Burrito. “His experience and hands on management is just the kind of leadership we need to optimize our operations and accelerate growth.”
“Freebirds is unique – it is a compelling brand with a loyal following,” said Bobby. “I look forward to finding ways to help the team capitalize on this phenomenon and expand the business. With the broader support from Tavistock Group, we can accelerate this brand’s growth. It’s a great time to be at Freebirds.”
Freebirds World Burrito is known for its unapologetic independent and inclusive approach to burritos, tacos and nachos. Our eclectic clientele can choose from millions of combinations, a variety of burrito sizes, tortilla flavors; and fresh ingredients including grass-fed beef, hormonefree chicken and all-natural slow roasted carnitas. Entrees are topped with hand-chopped vegetables and fresh-made salsas including our restaurant’s famous Death Sauce. For more information on Freebirds World Burrito, please visit www.freebirds.com.
In addition to Freebirds World Burrito, the Tavistock Restaurants collection includes the following award-winning restaurant concepts: Abe & Louie’s, AquaKnox, Atlantic Fish, Napa Valley Grille, California Café, Coach Grill, ZED451, Joe’s American Bar & Grill, Blackhawk Grille, Timpano Chophouse, Café del Rey, Taqueria Cañonita, and Sapporo. For more information on Tavistock Restaurants, visit www.tavistockrestaurants.com.
Freebirds World Burrito exists to feed the belly and the soul. Free to be ourselves, we provide great food and engaging service in a high-energy atmosphere. We strive to create fanaticism by giving our guests multiple things to love about us. We are here to serve and encourage our guests to serve others through our charitable arm, World Works. We do everything with passion. Freebirds World Burrito is owned and operated by Tavistock Restaurants. For more information on Freebirds World Burrito, please visit www.freebirds.com.
Tavistock Restaurants is a rapidly growing, privately held company operating unique concepts from fast casual to upscale, fine dining restaurants including Abe & Louie’s, Aquaknox, ZED451, Joe’s American Bar & Grill and Freebirds World Burrito, one of the fastest growing concepts with more than 100 locations across the United States. Tavistock Restaurants, led by Charles Lewis lives by the same mission as its parent company, Tavistock Group, which is committed to excellence in everything it does. For more information, visit www.tavistockrestaurants.com.
Tavistock Group is an international private investment organization founded by Joe Lewis more than 35 years ago. With investments in more than 200 companies across 15 countries, Tavistock Group’s investment portfolio includes: life sciences, sports teams and sporting events, hotels, manufacturing and distribution, oil, gas and energy, financial services, restaurants, commercial properties, private luxury residential properties, resort properties and master-planned real estate developments. For more information, visit www.tavistock.com.
