Dive Brief:
- A&W Restaurants promoted Betsy Schmandt to CEO and president, the company said in a Tuesday press release. She has served as chief operating officer for the past 18 months.
- Schmandt succeeds Kevin Bazner, who will continue in his role as chairman, the company said. Bazner was CEO at the brand for over a decade, according to his LinkedIn profile.
- In her new role, Schmandt said she will work to “elevate and enhance the A&W experience, while continuing to build on our value proposition.”
Dive Insight:
Growth will likely be a huge focus for Schmandt as she settles into her new position. The company ended last year with 429 units in development or open across the U.S. and opened 10 new restaurants in key markets like Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa, according to QSR Magazine. A&W has also been rolling out technological upgrades, with 100 units gaining a new centralized point-of-sales system last year, per the publication.
Schmandt has over 15 years of experience in restaurant franchising and retail development. Prior to joining A&W, she led Mrs. Fields and TCBY as president of franchising for over three years. Prior to that, she spent four years as senior director, franchise marketing and licensing at that company, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“Her ability to manage and build high-performing teams to develop and execute brand-building strategies and maintain strong relationships with key partners is a product of her leadership experience,” the company said in the press release.
As A&W’s COO, she led daily operations with regards to efficiency and productivity and made sure that operations aligned with the company’s long-term strategic goals.
“Since joining A&W, Betsy has quickly made an impact here by providing strategic direction, operational insights, and innovative ideas to propel our brand ahead. Her passion and dedication to the brand is what assures us she's the right person for the role,” Bazner said in a statement.
