Eegee’s, the Tucson, Ariz.-based sandwich chain, on Tuesday named longtime industry executive Jason Vaughn its new CEO.
Vaughn will take over for Ron Petty, who was the chairman of the chain for a decade before he took over as CEO in 2019. Petty will remain as a real estate advisor for the 31-unit chain.
Vaughn has been in the industry for three decades, most recently as the CEO of Frisch’s Restaurants. He has also been an executive with Yum Brands and Wendy’s and is a former president of the sandwich chain Lenny’s Subs.
His task at Eegee’s will be to grow the brand, which was founded in 1971 and operates locations throughout Arizona. Vaughn himself will be based in Phoenix, a key growth market for the brand.
“The opportunity to take part in a success story like Eegee’s is an immense honor,” Vaughn said in a statement, saying the brand is “synonymous with Arizona” while citing the brand’s “incredible legacy.”
“I know the loyalty of Eegee’s supporters is unmatched and look forward to what’s to come,” he said.
Petty’s job will be to help find real estate for the brand’s expansion. Petty as CEO led the company through its sale to 39 North Capital and the restaurant investor Kitchen Fund.
Eegee’s started out as a vending truck selling frozen lemon drinks. The brand’s menu features subs, fries and grinders as well as a namesake frozen drink, the Eegee, featuring chunks of fruit. The company also has a rotating menu of flavors.
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