Leadership

Freddy’s promotes Brian Wise to the role of COO

Former First Watch finance exec Jerry Kunz also joins the fast-casual brand as vice president of finance.
Freddy's unit
Freddy's is making changes to its leadership. /Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is making some changes to its leadership team.

Brian Wise, who has led the restaurant innovation team for the past year, has been named chief operating officer, the Wichita, Kansas-based chain said Monday.

Brian Wise

Brian Wise was named COO of Freddy's./Photo courtesy of Freddy's

In addition, Jerry Kunz, the former director of finance and treasury for First Watch Restaurants, has been named vice president of finance for Freddy’s.

Jerry Kunz

Jerry Kunz joins Freddy's as VP of finance./Photo courtesy of Freddy's

“We are thankful that Brian will be continuing his great work with our brand as COO, and that Jerry decided to join our team for this next chapter of accelerating development,” Chris Dull, president and CEO of Freddy’s, said in a statement. “With our seasoned operations team having a vast array of knowledge and expertise, we’re on a solid path to the brand’s continued success and growth.”

Wise brings a franchisee perspective to the role. He previously spent 15 years with a Freddy’s franchise group before joining the corporate team, the company said. In his new role, he will take on Freddy’s training, as well both franchise and corporate operations.

The fast-casual Freddy’s has more than 440 locations across 36 states and generated about $759 million in U.S. systemwide sales in fiscal 2021, according to data from sister brand Technomic.

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