Former Executive Vice President, Anderson will Now Oversee Operations and Continued Growth of Brand
The award winning and rapidly expanding fast-casual concept, serving a popular chef-inspired Mediterranean menu, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, announced today that Bob Andersen will now serve as Brand President. Andersen most recently held the position of Executive Vice President of the United Franchise Group (UFG) food division including The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill and Jon Smith Subs.
With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in franchising, new unit development and restaurant operations, Andersen is highly regarded as a restaurant industry leader. Andersen has a successful track record in growing emerging restaurant brands and leading teams in the quick service, fast causal, and full-service restaurant industries.
UFG began franchising The Great Greek in 2018 after partnering with co-founders Nick A. Della Penna and Trent Jones. Della Penna who was the interim President for The Great Greek, is a third-generation restaurateur with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including the role of vice president of Food and Beverage at the Excalibur® Hotel and Casino, while Jones has many years of experience as a real estate and small business entrepreneur. Together, they purchased the first The Great Greek in Henderson, NV in 2016. Today, the co-founders own seven locations in Nevada and one in Florida with two more under development.
Since 2011, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has operated with the vision of serving delicious chef inspired Mediterranean flavor and hospitality in a plentiful way that offers the best value of fast casual restaurant experience. Ten years later, the brand enjoys an unprecedented number of loyal customers, proven systems, unit economics, and new restaurant openings.
“As we continue to secure multi-unit franchise development agreements and prepare to open multiple Great Greek locations across the nation and internationally, it is the right time to bring in Bob Andersen,” said Della Penna. “The Great Greek delivers a guest experience unlike any other in our category and Bob’s diverse perspective, extensive operations experience, and passion for delivering best-in-class brand experience makes him an important part of the brand’s future.”
Currently, The Great Greek has 141 franchise locations either open or in development both domestically and internationally, with Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Charlotte, being key markets for the brand while other areas of interest include Atlanta, South Florida, Nashville, and Columbus.
“I look forward to leading the brand to continued growth domestically and internationally while fostering relationships with new franchisees along the way,” said Andersen. “It’s a great brand to be a part of and I’m excited to lead the team through this next chapter of growth.”
Prior to United Franchise Group, Andersen served as the CEO of Jimboy’s Tacos, where he led the team in a reorganization, rebranding and relaunch of the brands franchise program. His team achieved unprecedented results by enhancing the brand’s customer experience, year over year store sales and systemwide sales growth. Andersen was also the first franchisee and area developer, a multi-unit owner and operator of the Cowboy Chicken Restaurant brand. He also served as President for the Dallas-based franchiser, Mooyah Burgers & Fries, an emerging “better burger” concept, as well as Managing Director of Franchise Development at Boston Pizza Restaurants.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is seeking single-unit or multi-unit developers. The brand’s initial franchise fee is $39,500 with a total investment cost ranging $476,050 – $798,250. For more information about The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, visit TheGreatGreekGrillFranchise.com.
