Industry Veteran Mike Sebazco joins the Dallas-based, better burger brand as part of continued operations enhancement
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a fast casual, “better burger” franchise, is proud to announce industry veteran Mike Sebazco has joined the company to serve as Vice President of Operations. Sebazco brings nearly 30 years of franchise restaurant experience to the growing brand, most recently serving as Regional Director of Operations at Mimi’s Café.
“There is nothing I’m more passionate about than helping franchisees who have their livelihoods on the line in a brand and believe in the business,” said Sebazco. “The team at MOOYAH is extremely like-minded in this commitment to the franchisees who buy into the system. I look forward to being a part of the strong support team focused on driving their success.”
In the role, Sebazco will be focused on ensuring proper execution of the product, examining the economic model and driving efficiencies in labor and cost of goods, and communicating a measurement strategy for the business. Sebazco reunites with Michael Mabry, President and Chief Operating Officer of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. The two previously worked together at Boston Pizza.
“The success of MOOYAH is based on the success of our franchisees and Mike has a proven record of implementing operational processes and efficiencies that drive that at the store level and across the system,” said Mabry. “We are excited to add him to our corporate support team and remain focused on making the MOOYAH experience better for our Guests across the country and in new markets as we grow.”
Samir Wattar, who previously served as Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for MOOYAH, will now focus solely on the supply chain aspect of the business. The addition of Sebazco comes on the heels of an acquisition of the MOOYAH brand by an affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC and Gala Capital Partners, LLC in May and represents further investment in strengthening the corporate team and support for franchisees. The company has charted a strategic plan to enhance operations at existing locations while continuing efforts to attract and grow with qualified franchisees.
“We look at the MOOYAH brand really as a service organization rather than a franchise or restaurant organization, where the service that we provide from the corporate level is to the franchisees within the system. Our business focus is to figure out what their needs are, give them a voice and then give them what they need to be successful in business,” said Sebazco.
In 2016, MOOYAH surpassed the all-important 100-unit milestone. The booming “better burger” brand entered several new states in 2016, while also expanding its presence in California, Texas, Florida and New York. In 2017, MOOYAH is set to open 15 new locations across the country.
For franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.mooyahfranchise.com.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, “better burger” concept offering mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes, and real ice cream shakes. Founded in 2007, the Plano, Texas-based company serves fresh, 100% Certified Angus Beef brand burgers, all natural Jennie-O turkey burgers, all natural grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches and black bean veggie burgers. MOOYAH’s non-GMO potato and multigrain buns are baked in-house daily, and Guests can choose from five real cheeses, bacon, avocado, chili, and more than 20 free sauces and toppings made from garden-fresh veggies. While many Guests dine in-restaurant, MOOYAH also offers online ordering and carry out for Guests on the go as well as a . In 2017, MOOYAH was named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious list of the smartest growing franchise brands, and was ranked #11 on Fast Casual Magazine’s annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, a list the brand has been included on every year in the last ten years of rankings.
For more information on the growing brand, connect with MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes on the Facebook Fan page, and follow MOOYAH on LinkedIn, Twitter @MOOYAHburgers and Instagram @MOOYAHburgers.
