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Former Panera, Long John's marketing leader named Lion’s Choice CEO

May 30, 2017

A former senior marketing leader at Panera and Long John Silver's is taking over the corner office at St. Louis-based QSR, Lion's Choice, a news release said. Thirty-five-year restaurant industry veteran Mike Kupstas is the 25-unit brand's new CEO, reportingto Board Chair Bob Millstone,.

"I've known Mike for over 15 years, and he's the perfect leader to guide us into the future," Lion's Choice COO Becky Fine said in a news release. "He knows how to build a brand with a soul and recognizes the importance our loyal co-workers play while putting the customer first in all that we do."

As Panera Bread operations vice president and later as senior vice president and chief franchise officer, Kupstas helped grow the brand from 52 to 1,600 bakery-cafes nationwide. He joins the Lion's Choice leadership team at the brand's 50-year mark when it has grown to 22 company-owned and three franchised restaurants throughout the Saint Louis metro area.