Spoon Me names CEO

Salt Lake City Frozen yogurt franchise Spoon Me has hired former Panda Express executive and food-services veteran Brad Whitaker as the company's new CEO.

Whitaker was brought on board to manage Spoon Me's expansion in 2010 and beyond.

Last year, Spoon Me grew to a total of 11 locations in the United States and signed, among others, a 25-store master franchise agreement in Western Canada. The company is projecting significant growth in 2010 and in future years.

Whitaker's experience spans 25 years of development for companies such as Marriott, PepsiCo (now YUM), CKE Restaurants and Panda Restaurant Group.