Staffing

Wienerschnitzel promotes president to CEO

Provided

February 15, 2022

Wienerschnitzel has promoted J.R. Galardi to the role of CEO, according to a press release.

The title of CEO has been added to his current position as company president which he has held since 2017. In his expanded role, Galardi will oversee all Galardi Group Inc. concepts including Wienerschnitzel, Tastee Freez and Hamburger Stand. Having grown up with the brand, Galardi brings two decades of unique insight and experience to his elevated leadership role. His first job was with Wienerschnitzel as a janitor and over the years has touched nearly every facet of the business, from the fry station and drive-thru window to marketing, operations, community relations and business development.

Former CEO Cindy Galardi Culpepper will maintain her role as executive chairman.

"I'm honored to continue my father's legacy and have the opportunity to build upon the brand he created over 60 years ago in addition to the extended portfolio of concepts he believed in," Galardi said in a press release. "We say this is a family business, but that isn't defined by name or relation; it's an unwavering commitment to our extended family of franchise partners in providing them with the tools to thrive while also delivering a consistently enjoyable experience to our loyal guests."

"Beyond being extremely dedicated to the success of our franchise partners and longevity of our brands, J.R. is a passionate visionary whose innovative ideas have already proven successful in bringing Galardi Group and our concepts into the future," Culpepper said in the release. "He's extremely forward-thinking when it comes to strategizing for what's next, but also has the self-assurance and determination to see his ideas through to the end. I have every confidence he will uphold his father's vision to instill Wienerschnitzel's place in the heart and minds of generations to come."

As CEO, Galardi has his sights set on opening Wienerschnitzel locations outside the U.S. before year's end. He also plans to embrace new industry disrupters like virtual kitchens, product licensing and other nontraditional ways of serving its popular menu creations both domestically and abroad.

There are nearly 350 franchised Wienerschnitzel locations in operation throughout 10 states, with more than 50 units in various stages of development across the U.S.