Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAGL), a leader in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry operating under the Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah’s New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel brands, today announced the appointment of Brian L. Unger to Chief Restaurant Officer, a newly created position at the Company. Mr. Unger will continue to report to Jeff O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Unger has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President of Operations since March 2011. His core responsibilities will remain focused on all aspects of restaurant operations for Company-owned restaurants, including oversight of its growing catering business, as well as the expanding base of Einstein Bagels Bros. franchisees.
After eight years of active duty as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Unger began his operations career with McDonald’s in Downers Grove, Illinois in 1985, and joined McDonald’s International group in 1991, working in Latin America. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1992, where he was named Director of Operations for Central America and the Caribbean. In 1997, Mr. Unger was appointed Director of Operations for Latin America, and in 2003, was named President of the Caribbean Region, where he helped lead the rapid expansion of McDonald’s throughout the Caribbean. He returned to the U.S. business in 2005 as Senior Vice President/General Manager McOpCo West Division in McDonald’s USA and in 2009, Mr. Unger moved to Toronto, Canada to lead Canadian corporate operations as Vice President, McDonald’s Canada.
Jeff O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Brian was instrumental in helping Einstein Noah realize $2.7 million in savings last year through the completion of the first phase of our cost efficiency program, and is spearheading our continuing efforts to streamline our business model and capture an additional $3.0 million in annualized savings. His appointment as our Chief Restaurant Officer reflects recognition for the outstanding accomplishments since joining our team last year and our confidence in him as we continue to accelerate revenue and unit growth, while delivering consistent and reliable growth in corporate earnings.”
O’Neill concluded, “In addition to his extensive restaurant experience, Brian brings a high level of energy and commitment to our Company culture that is apparent to all of us. He is a passionate leader and we look forward to his continued contributions.”
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. is a leading company in the quick casual restaurant industry that operates and licenses locations primarily under the Einstein Bros. and Noah’s New York Bagels brands and primarily franchises locations under the Manhattan Bagel brand. The company’s retail system consists of over 770 restaurants in 39 states and the District of Columbia. It also operates a dough production facility. The company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol BAGL. Visit www.einsteinnoah.com for additional information.
