News

Paul Damico leaves Naf Naf Grill to oversee Global Franchise Group

April 13, 2020

Paul Damico has left Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill to take on the CEO role at Global Franchise Group, a brand management company and franchisor of Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Pretzelmaker, Marble Slab Creamery/MaggieMoo's Ice Cream & Treatery and Round Table Pizza. He'll lead GFG's growth, acquisitions and shared services and champion its "franchising first" philosophy. Officially starting April 6, he has been working alongside the GFG executive team to direct the organization through the COVID-19 crisis.

"After a thorough and extensive search and evaluation, we are pleased to name Paul Damico the new CEO of Global Franchise Group," Michael Serruya, chairman of the GFG Board of Directors, said in the release. "With experience in so many facets of restaurant operations from marketing, operations, culinary, and franchising, he brings a unique approach to franchise portfolio management platforms. As Global Franchise Group evolves and emerges after COVID-19, his experience with building shared services and guiding organizations through times of transition will be an asset. We will be poised to acquire additional brands."

With more than 35 years in food and hospitality, Damico's career includes top leadership roles in premium organizations including Host Marriott, Food Brand, Creative Host Services, and the Focus Brands portfolio of restaurants. Most recently, he served as CEO of Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill and developed a franchise model preparing the brand for national growth. Prior to Naf Naf, he was president of Focus Brands and was responsible for the oversight of McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's Deli, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream and Cinnabon. 

"Global Franchise Group is an organization well-positioned to become one of the top restaurant and QSR franchise systems in the country," said Paul Damico, CEO of GFG. "I was attracted to GFG because of the company's growth potential and unwavering commitment to our franchisees and brands. By strengthening shared services and building the portfolio with complementary concepts, GFG will reach new heights. I'm thrilled to join this talented and passionate team."

Damico succeeds Chris Dull, the organization's longtime president and CEO, who exited the organization in February. GFG's Chief Brand Officer and President of Franchise Operations Jenn Johnston will resume her role after serving as interim CEO.

GFG supports more than 1,400 franchised and corporate stores across all brands located in 16 countries and has system-wide sales close to $1 billion.