News

Wienerschnitzel names founder's son as EVP

December 13, 2016

Wienerschnitzel has promoted J.R. Galaridi, the 27-year-old son of its late founder, John Galardi, to executive vice president, according to an afternoon news release. J.R. Galardi had been in the role of administration director but initially started in the family business at 13, when he manned the fry station and drive-thru during summer breaks. 

In his new role, he will support a wide scope of brand initiatives for parent company, Galardi Group, which also includes the Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez brands. He'll also be involved in the concept's marketing, operations, development and community relations.
 

"I am committed to using the platform I’ve been blessed with to make the world a better place, starting with our guests and supporting the causes that are most important to them," -J.R. Galardi

Galardi joined the firm professionally in 2013, according to a news release. He has worked to propel the 55-year-old brand into the modern era, according to a news release, while maintaining his father's vision for the company. 

"I feel blessed to have grown up with Wienerschnitzel, and am proud to carry on my father’s legacy," Galardi said in a company press release. "My goal is to fortify Wienerschnitzel’s future by building on our success and capturing the attention of the next generation of hot dog lovers. My father believed that food should be fun and wasn’t afraid to do things differently; it’s this mentality that has enabled the brand to thrive and will continue to drive us forward."
 
Galardi works with his mom, CEO Cindy Galardi Culpepper, who assumed that role in 2013. Together, they are taking the brand forward and increasing its commitment to a new mission of "serving food to serve others."

"Not only is J.R.’s passion inspiring, but I continue to be impressed by his strategic thinking, hard work ethic and unwavering commitment to grow the brand," said CMO Doug Koegeboehn. "It was his idea to operate Wienerschnitzel like a start-up company, an approach that has changed the way we think about marketing, operations, menu innovation and more. And he has been instrumental in revitalizing company culture from the top down."

Two years ago, Galardi spearheaded development of the Visionary Department, a marketing division dedicated to building brand loyalty among a younger audience. Through digital marketing, event sponsorships, philanthropic efforts and strategic partnerships, including teaming up with Toyota, Monster Energy Supercross, and professional motocross team Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, Galardi and the Visionary Department are tapping into millennial interests and building a presence naturally, where the brand's fans are. 

"I am committed to using the platform I’ve been blessed with to make the world a better place, starting with our guests and supporting the causes that are most important to them," he said. "Wienerschnitzel has an incredibly loyal and hard-working team in its corner, and we are all excited for the future as we continue to spread the hot dog love with new fans around the country."