September 28, 2026 // Franchising.com // DESTIN, Fla. – Rock N Roll Sushi has appointed restaurant and franchise executive Rick Gestring as its next Chief Executive Officer. Gestring will lead the 80-unit concept into its next phase of growth, with a focus on strengthening the brand, supporting franchisee success and positioning Rock N Roll Sushi for continued expansion.
Gestring brings extensive restaurant and franchise leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as Brand Officer for Tasty Restaurant Group, where he led the KFC and Taco Bell restaurant portfolio. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of franchise operations for Honey Baked Ham and Chief Restaurant Officer at Blaze Pizza. His background also includes leadership roles with Dunkin’, Arby’s, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Taco Bell.
“Rock N Roll Sushi’s unique American-style sushi brand positioning, coupled with an electrifying restaurant experience and creative menu offerings, have created a tremendously loyal fan following.”, said Gestring. “I look forward to leading the brand, in collaboration with our incredible franchisees and support teams, as together we turn up the volume on growth and expansion.”
As Gestring steps into the CEO role, his focus will be on building upon Rock N Roll Sushi’s established foundation while identifying opportunities to strengthen restaurant operational performance, support franchisees, and expand the brand’s reach. Now at 80 locations, Rock N Roll Sushi enters its next chapter with significant momentum and a continued focus on sustainable franchise growth.
Gestring succeeds Craig LeMieux, who has served as CEO since 2023 and helped guide Rock N Roll Sushi through a period of significant expansion. The two have been working closely together as part of a planned leadership transition to ensure continuity as the brand enters its next phase of growth.
“When I joined Rock N Roll Sushi, I saw an opportunity to lead a truly distinctive brand,” said LeMieux. “I’m proud of what our team and franchise partners have accomplished, and I know Rick understands what makes this brand and its franchise community special. I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes Rock N Roll Sushi next.”
“Rick brings a valuable combination of restaurant expertise, franchise knowledge and a fresh perspective to Rock N Roll Sushi,” said Sam Osborne, Chairman of the Board of Rock N Roll Sushi. “The board is confident in his ability to build on the foundation that has been established while identifying new opportunities to strengthen the brand, support our franchise partners and position Rock N Roll Sushi for long-term growth.”
To learn more about Rock N Roll Sushi, visit rocknrollsushi.com.
Rock N Roll Sushi is the original American-style sushi restaurant founded on great food, true love and rock n’ roll music. It’s the only themed restaurant in the world where local and loyal fans can experience the rock they love and the rolls they love with the ones they love. The menu is broken down by Opening Acts, Classics, Green Room, Headliners (with Raw Tracks), Back Stage Hibachi, Kids Rock and After Party, with Rock N Roll Sushi’s greatest hits – like Crispy Wontons, Punk Rock Roll, VIP Roll and Hibachi – stealing the show. From humble beginnings in a modest 1,000-square-foot space tucked inside the Mobile Mall, Rock N Roll Sushi has rapidly expanded to encompass more than 80 locations across the southeastern U.S. in just a decade. For more information about Rock N Roll Sushi, visit rocknrollsushi.com or follow the brand on Facebook or Instagram.
SOURCE Rock N Roll Sushi
Rock N Roll Sushi is an American-style sushi restaurant founded on great food, true love and rock n’ roll music.