Popeyes

Financing

With new leadership, Restaurant Brands International charts an aggressive path

Patrick Doyle, and now new CEO Josh Kobza, take the helm at the owner of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs with a mandate: Speed the company's growth.

Leadership

'I missed it.' Why Patrick Doyle came back to the restaurant business

The former Domino’s CEO, who returned as executive chairman of Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International in November, said he is “all in” with his new position.

The 11-year company veteran, who had been COO, will take over for José Cil on March 1. Cil will remain with the Burger King and Tim Hortons parent company for one year as an advisor.

The director of culinary’s boundless enthusiasm for exploring the brand’s New Orleans’ roots keeps those groundbreaking menu items coming.

The former Domino’s CEO will make a $30 million investment in the owner of Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons and Firehouse and will get options worth close to $200 million.

The chain is primed to reignite the chicken sandwich wars by challenging competitors to “copy this.”

The Bottom Line: The brands’ international unit expansion has taken off, providing parent company Restaurant Brands International with a key growth pillar.

The Miami-based chicken chain has an agreement with the private equity firm Cartesian Capital Group to develop restaurants in the country.

Brand operator Restaurant Brands International now gets a third of its sales through digital channels. Sales at Burger King and Popeyes also improve in the U.S.

The company is also planning another discounted chicken promotion as part of planned celebrations for its birthday.

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