Famous Toastery has hired restaurant veteran Michael Mabry as president as it embarks on plans to double its footprint over the next two years.
Mabry most recently spent a year with ghost kitchen startup Reef, where he was a senior vice president and general manager. The bulk of his career was spent as president and COO of Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes from 2009 to 2019, and director of franchise operations for Brinker International from 1998 to 2003. The intervening years included roles at Tin Star, Boston Pizza Restaurants, Cutchall Management and Fuzzy's Taco Shop.
In his new job, Mabry will work alongside CEO Robert Maynard and Chief Business Officer Brian Burchill, who co-founded the breakfast-and-lunch concept in Huntersville, N.C., in 2005. After pausing its franchising program about two years before the pandemic struck, the 26-unit chain is ready to start growing again and plans to reach 50 units by 2024.
"I saw this as an opportunity to join a great company with a great culture and great people," Mabry said in a statement. "I have two passions in life: people and food. Famous Toastery checks both of those boxes for me."
The chain will lean on Mabry's three decades of experience as it grows across the Southeast.
"With expert guidance from Mabry, someone who knows nearly every aspect of the franchise and restaurant industry, we have a winning team," Maynard said in a statement.
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