Ballard Brands, the Covington, La.-based operator of Wow American Eats, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and the Original City Diner, on Monday named Bill DiPaola its chief operating officer and Leslie Monson its chief marketing officer.
DiPaola had previously been vice president of Rotolo’s Pizzeria and was president of Dat Dog. For Ballard, he will work to help franchisees with their day-to-day operations. He will also work to develop the company’s brands.
Monson, meanwhile, has 17 years of marketing experience with Churchill Downs’ Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino and Planet Beach. She will oversee the company’s marketing.
“Bill and Leslie are joining the team with a depth of knowledge and experience in the franchise industry and we are confident they will help these brands expand their footprint and help franchisees grow,” Ballard President Peter Boylan said in a statement.
Ballard Brands was founded in 2001 by a trio of brothers who had success operating retail franchises such as Smoothie King and PJ’s Coffee. It now operates Boardhouse Serious Sandwiches and Ole Saint and manages Eloisa Restaurant and Filmore in the Oaks. The brands collectively operate 155 locations.
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