Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLKI) today announced it has appointed Steven J. Fricker as Senior Vice President of Development. Fricker is an industry expert with more than 35 years of experience as both a senior corporate executive and a former franchisee with several prominent national restaurant brands. The entrepreneurial experiences he brings to Popeyes and its industry-leading development strategy bring a next-level strategic franchisee oriented approach to development.
Fricker’s responsibilities include New Unit Development, Franchise Sales and Development, Architecture and Design, and New Construction and Restaurant Opening Processes. Fricker also is responsible to oversee and seek new franchise and company opportunities in strategic markets. Fricker reports to Popeyes Chief Operating Officer, John Merkin and is based at the Global Service Center in Atlanta.
“Steve’s specialized expertise growing his own organization, as well as corporate organizations he has worked with, will serve Popeyes existing franchisees well as they expand their organizations and will benefit new franchisees as they come into the Popeyes family,” said John Merkin, Chief Operating Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. “Popeyes is a beloved brand that continues to be a definitive leader in the chicken QSR space, an ambassador of Louisiana cooking to the world. We have said before that we have bold goals for development, and we are pleased to bring Steve to Popeyes to help us execute those plans.”
Fricker’s experience includes leading development efforts with Panera, Outback Steakhouse, Corner Bakery and IHOP as head of a franchisee organization. His strategic insights and planning through extensive analysis, cost formulation practices and real estate selection criteria has resulted in millions of dollars of cost savings and proven accelerated growth.
“I am pleased to have joined Popeyes, a highly respected, disciplined and successful organization with an industry leading management team,” said Fricker. “Popeyes is known for its servant leadership culture which has allowed it to deliver superior results. I look forward to advancing the company’s development plans and contributing to its stellar reputation.”
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of Popeyes restaurants, the world’s second-largest QuickService Restaurant (“QSR”) chicken concept based on number of units. As of December 27, 2015, Popeyes had 2,539 operating restaurants in the United States, three territories, and 27 foreign countries. The Company’s primary objective is to deliver sales and profits by offering excellent investment opportunities in its Popeyes brand and providing exceptional franchisee support systems and services to its owners. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. can be found at www.popeyes.com.
