Dive Brief:
- HOA Brands, the franchisor and operator of Hooters and Hoots Wings, has appointed Michael Arrowsmith as chief development officer, according to a press release emailed to Restaurant Dive.
- Arrowsmith comes from Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa, where he served as CDO and oversaw the expansion of the brand’s retail operations from Florida into Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.
- In his new role, Arrowsmith will oversee the expansion of the brands’ physical infrastructure, from real estate selection to construction.
Dive Insight:
Arrowsmith’s responsibilities also include recruiting franchisees, which will be an important aspect of growth, especially as the company continues to expand its Hoots Wings brand. The company signed its first franchise deal for the concept last year to develop 60 units in Texas. It has been rapidly franchising since then, with deals signed in Southern California, the East Coast and Philadelphia.
Prior to his stint in pool supplies, Arrowsmith worked in the restaurant industry in a variety of capacities, holding leadership positions at Captain D’s, Denny’s, Diedrich Coffee and Checkers & Rally’s, according to the press release. In his time at Captain D’s, Arrowsmith launched the brand’s development outfit and built a substantial pipeline of new stores, primarily by recruiting multi-unit franchisees.
Arrowsmith has experience scaling company growth, working with leadership teams, motivating multi-unit franchisees and others interested in expanding concepts, he said in the press release.
