News

Checkers' development veteran joins Captain D's team

March 28, 2013

Captain D's has named Michael Arrowsmith as its new chief development officer. Arrowsmith previously served as senior vice president of Development at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.

Additionally, Jim Stevens has been promoted to chief operations officer of the 520-plus-unit chain. He has served as Captain D's vice president of Operations for the past two years.

"Michael brings to Captain D's a vast knowledge of franchise sales experience, a strong understanding of how to develop and cultivate target markets and the wherewithal to implement successful strategies throughout an entire system," said Phil Greifeld, CEO of Captain D's. "We are also beyond excited to promote from within, and have Jim head up company operations to keep system processes strengthened as we open new restaurants"

Both executives will play a significant role in the planned restaurant openings this year.

As a 25-year restaurant industry veteran, Arrowsmith has experience with brands including Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffee, Shoney's and Denny's. Most recently, he worked at NSI Group, a franchise mergers and acquisitions and advisory firm specializing in brand growth, development and asset disposition. As the new CDO, Arrowsmith will be responsible for all areas of franchise growth, and will also have a strong hand in the further development and innovation of the Captain D's restaurant model, menu and brand.

"2012 was a remarkable year for Captain D's with an all-time record for same-store sales increases," Arrowsmith said. "Their sales success, new menu, and restaurant model innovation made joining the Captain D's team an easy decision. In the coming year and beyond, our brand is well-positioned to open new restaurants through franchising."

Stevens has worked at Captain D's since 2011 in the position of vice president of Operations. He also has previous experience with brands such as Arby's and Yum! Brands. As COO, he will continue to build the "absolute best team" of industry leaders who are focused on D's culture, values and success.

Captain D's has an aggressive growth strategy in place for this year, including the development of new prototype buildings, exploring non-traditional growth opportunities and opening new restaurants. The chain has posted 20 consecutive periods of positive same-store sales increases.

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