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Yoshinoya America names former Rally's leader to top operations role

February 9, 2017

 Yoshinoya America is tapping into new leadership, appointing the former Checkers/Rallys brand turnaround and operational leader, Jim Stevens, as its chief operating officer, according to a news release. 

In the newly created role, Stevens will work with senior-level management of the Japan-based brand to create and execute overall strategy and execution as the company remodels its existing U.S. stores and opens new locations as part of a U.S. push of the chain.

With nearly 30 years of previous QSR management experience, Stevens past positions include leadership roles at Yum Brands, Arby's and COO at Captain D's.

"We are thrilled to have Jim Stevens fill this important role as we accelerate our growth and remodel existing stores," Yoshinoya CEO Dar Vasseghi, said in a news release. "A big part of our future success will come from improving store operations. Stevens is a seasoned and trusted operations leader who along with our existing management team will help Yoshinoya continue to deliver positive results."

Yoshinoya has recorded four years of continuous annual same-store-sales growth through both higher average check and steady increases in transactions. Yoshinoya has also recently embarked on an aggressive remodeling of company locations to a warmer, more contemporary look by the end of 2018. 

"I have tremendous confidence in Jim's ability to align our strategy with industry-leading operational practices to drive the next phase of Yoshinoya's market leadership," Vasseghi said in the release.

"I am excited to take on this role and look forward to partnering with our talented senior leadership team to deliver on our 2020 Vision. Each of Yoshinoya's stores has enormous potential to deepen our relationship with our guests. I am incredibly energized to help lead the company into its next phase of innovation and operational excellence," Stevens said in a news release.