Dive Brief:

• Rock N Roll Sushi hired Craig LeMieux as CEO and Terri Jessen as VP of operations, according to an email sent to Restaurant Dive. 
• LeMieux succeeds Chris Kramolis, who has been CEO since October 2020. Kramolis will stay on with the company as chief development officer to focus on franchise development and real estate. 
• The company is in the midst of growing to 250 units in five years, with plans to expand beyond its Southeast roots into states like Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.

Dive Insight:

Both LeMieux and Jessen have decades of experience in franchising that will come in handy as the chain continues its franchise development. In addition to expanding into the Southwest, the chain has aggressive plans for Texas, which could become a big market for the chain, and has 35 units planned for central and southwest Florida. Eventually, the chain wants to enter states further north and east, such as Charlotte, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

Prior to joining Rock N Roll Sushi, LeMieux was an area developer and multi-unit franchisee for Tropical Smoothie Cafe. LeMieux opened Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s first Michigan unit in 2004 and grew the region into the chain’s second-largest market. From 2022 to August 2023, he was an area representative for Arizona and Central Florida for Rock N Roll Sushi, according to LeMieux’s LinkedIn profile. He currently owns several franchise locations for Pet Supplies Plus and Mayweather Boxing + Fitness.  

Jessen has two decades of restaurant experience, and is currently a part of a multi-unit franchise group for Rock N Roll Sushi in Arizona and Florida and a partner in the area representative group for Arizona and part of Florida. In her new role, she will lead five people and oversee the franchise business consultant program in addition to culinary and procurement/supply chain departments. Jessen also served as a multi-unit franchisee for Tropical Smoothie Cafe from 2004 to 2013 and owned several locations in Florida.