Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. Announces Executive Management Promotions

By: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery | 1,014 Shares 407 Reads

Underscores Company's Focus on Operational Excellence and Industry Leadership

July 21, 2008 // Franchising.com // Memphis, Tennessee (June 13, 2008) – Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc., the preeminent family restaurant company in the United States with over 600 locations, announces today the promotion and expanded responsibilities of several key members of executive management.

According to Jay Trungale, President and Chief Executive Officer, Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc., the following promotions are effective immediately: Pete Pascuzzi, Executive Vice President, Corporate Restaurant Operations; Bob Winters, Senior Vice President Franchise Sales, Franchise Operations, & Restaurant Development; Cheryl Ahlbrandt, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Research & Development; Toni Quist, Vice President, Human Resources; Sue Kruse, Senior Director, Training & Development, Perkins.

In making the announcement, Trungale comments, "the leadership, contribution, commitment and expertise that each of these individuals brings to the equation is unparalleled in the industry. Their involvement and well deserved recognition, is testament to our continued commitment to cultivate and reward excellence."

Pete Pascuzzi, promoted to Executive Vice President, Corporate Restaurant Operations for both the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery chain as well as Marie Callender's. Having joined the company in January 2006 Pascuzzi most recently served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Restaurant Operations. With a strong industry background, he is recognized for his knowledge and experience in running profitable restaurants. Pascuzzi will not only oversee all Corporate restaurant locations throughout the country, but will be responsible for Operations Services and Administration for both brands as well.

Bob Winters promoted to Senior Vice President Franchise Sales Franchise Operations, & Restaurant Development. With over 30 years of industry experience, twenty of which have included the Perkins brand, Bob has responsibility for franchise sales and real estate as well as franchise field directors and consultants and construction and development for both the Perkins & Marie Callender's concepts.

Cheryl Ahlbrandt, promoted to Senior Vice President Marketing and Research & Development, has responsibility for the Perkins & Marie Callender's marketing teams as well as Perkins R&D and Marie Callender's R&D, food and beverage. Ahlbrandt, who joined the company in April 2006 as Vice President of Marketing, has over twenty years of advertising and marketing experience, the majority of which have been spent in the restaurant industry.

Toni Quist, promoted to Vice President, Human Resources will relocate to Memphis, TN from the company's Edina, Minneapolis office. In addition to overseeing Human Resources, Quist will continue her responsibilities for Training & Development as well as New Store openings for Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. An industry veteran, Quist is a member of the Elliot Leadership Institute's product committee and member of the Women's Foodservice Forum. She is past president of the Council on Hotel & Restaurant Training, past chair for the NRAEF Certification Governing Board, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Foodservice (NAFEM) and the prestigious Commitment to CHART honor.

Sue Kruse, promoted to Senior Director, Training & Development for Perkins will work out of the Minneapolis office with her efforts focused on field training, materials management, new store openings and executive development as well as multi-unit manager development. Sue is an active member of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers and the Twin Cities Human Resource Association.

Pascuzzi, Winters, Ahlbrandt and Quist will report in to Jay Trungale, President & CEO, Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc.. Kruse will report in to Toni Quist. Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. represents full service dining establishments under the brand names Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, and Marie Callender's Restaurant & Bakery. With combined revenues exceeding $1 billion, over 600 restaurants and more than 25,000 employees, Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. is an undisputed player in the national dining scene.