Launch Entertainment Announces New Chief Operating Officer

By: Launch Entertainment | 0 Shares 212 Reads

October 10, 2023 // Franchising.com // WARWICK, R.I. – Launch Entertainment has named franchise industry veteran Yvette Martinez as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With more than twenty years of experience in the restaurant space across several senior leadership roles, Martinez was most recently the COO of Brix Holdings, a Dallas-based franchisor best known for its award-winning brands Orange Leaf, RedBrick Pizza, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory and Souper Salad. Prior to this, she was the Vice President of Operations for the same company, where she focused on supply chain mechanics and franchisee management. Joining Launch in August of 2023, Martinez is taking point on transformative changes in the operational department, including to continue upholding the highest safety and brand standards, and solidifying the foundation that Launch is built upon.

"With years in the franchising industry, I understand the importance of collaboration to meet the needs of our operators," said Martinez. "When working in previous operations roles, I’ve loved that no two days are the same; entertainment is synchronous with restaurants – Guests visit our parks seeking something and leave happy, which is what we strive to do across all our locations. I was attracted to the position at Launch because of the opportunity to be part of a great leadership team, while leveraging my experience to take operations to the next level. I am looking forward to working with the leadership team and all of our franchisees."

Preceding Martinez’s addition to the team, the brand appointed fellow industry expert Craig Erlich as CEO in June of 2023. Erlich was most recently the President and CEO of Friendly’s Restaurants, with prior experience as CEO of Brix Holdings and earlier roles at CVS, Jo-Ann Stores and KB Toys. The strategic additions to the leadership team comes after the 2020 Silver Oak Services Partners investment.

“Yvette has over 20 years of experience working in the franchise industry, and we look forward to supporting her as she brings her expertise and operational skills to this new endeavor,” said Erlich. "With these proactive moves with our executive team, we are enthusiastic about initiating strategic initiatives to drive development.”

The brand recently signed agreements in San Diego, Denver, Frisco, Nashville, McKinney, and Prosper. Dearborn, MI is expected to open in November of this year.

"We are thrilled to welcome industry veterans like Craig and Yvette to fuel the brand beyond its previous limits,” said Jeff Todd, SVP of Business Development at Launch Entertainment. “Launch has a tremendous amount of momentum, and the team is just getting started.”

SOURCE Launch Entertainment

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