News

Wendy’s veteran takes over 20 franchises

December 14, 2010

Tri-Cities Restaurant Group has purchased 20 Wendy’s units from Monitor Systems Inc. in eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia markets. As part of the deal, the group has agreed to keep each location open with the current employees - including management - in place.

Additionally, the restaurants – located in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City, Tenn. – will be upgraded to meet current Wendy’s system standards.

According to TriCities.com, Joe Drury, Tom Lewison and Barry Byrd II are partners with the acquisition group. Drury’s experience in the industry extends back to 1976, when he worked the grill and counter at a Wendy’s location. He stayed with the brand throughout the 1980s, when he worked alongside Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas.

Lewison has worked with Bojangle’s Famous Chicken and Biscuits and CKE Restaurants, which oversees Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Byrd has more than 20 years of experience in a variety of roles, including his current position as president and CEO of Secure EDI. The three will work with the current Wendy’s management team headed by David Karam.

From the story:

"This is a great opportunity to extend the legacy of Dave Thomas and build on the success of the Wendy’s brand in the Tri-Cities area," Drury said. "It is truly a bit of a homecoming for me, but with a fresh new twist in a great new market. We are looking forward to this next chapter with Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers."