BurgerFi International names exec from rival chain as CEO
BurgerFi International has tapped a seasoned restaurant executive as its next chief executive.
The parent company of fast-casual “better” burger chain BurgerFi and casual-dining brand Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings said it has named Carl J. Bachmann as CEO, effective July 10. (Anthony's was acquired by BurgerFi in 2021 and operates 60 corporate-owned locations.)
Most recently, Bachmann served as president of Denver-based Smashburger, which he joined in 2017 as COO. Under his leadership, Smashburger experienced double digit systemwide same store sales growth along with double digit expansion of both the corporate and franchise footprint, according to the BurgerFi release, and also migrated to a new e-commerce platform that resulted in a large increase in owned-channel digital revenues and improved customer experience.
Bachmann's executive roles also include senior VP of operations for Bertucci's, the Boston-based brick oven Italian concept, which he joined in 2014.
Prior to Bertucci’s, he spent nearly 18 years at Ruby Tuesday, which he joined in 1994 as director of operations. During his tenure, the brand grew from 80 restaurants to more than 1,000.
In 1998, Bachmann purchased the rights to the Ruby Tuesday concept on New York’s Long Island, N.Y. As an owner and operator, he grew his portfolio to 10 locations and more than $26 million in annual revenues.
In November 2022, BurgerFi announced plans to ramp up expansion via a co-branded franchising strategy
"Carl brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the restaurant space that will be valuable for our enterprise,” said Ophir Sternberg, executive chairman of BurgerFi and founder & CEO of Lionheart Capital. “His successful leadership of restaurants combined with his innovative experiences, particularly within the burger and pizza spaces, give him a unique and deep understanding of our brands - particularly how to help drive us toward growth.”
Founded in 2011, BurgerFi more than 120 restaurants.