RAVE Restaurant Group Enhances Leadership To Fuel Pizza Inn And Pie Five Growth

RAVE Restaurant Group, a notable entity in the dining sector, has recently unveiled a significant reorganization of its executive lineup, aiming to bolster the growth and development of its distinguished brands, Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza. This strategic move introduces Jay Rooney as the new Chief Financial Officer, alongside Zack Viljoen who will take on the role of Vice President of Operations for RAVE and General Manager of Pie Five. Denise Wilson steps in as Associate Vice President of Supply Chain, with Carlos Cojulun assuming the position of Marketing Director for Pizza Inn. Additionally, Roger Mangum and Liam Finn have been appointed as Director of Operations and Training, and Director of Franchise Development, respectively.

The reshuffle comes at a pivotal moment for RAVE, as it marks its 15th consecutive quarter of profitability, outperforming giants like Pizza Hut and Papa John's in 2023. Notably, Pizza Inn has reversed a 24-year trend by achieving consecutive years of net buffet unit growth. The new executives are poised to leverage their extensive experience to further propel the brands' success. Rooney's financial acumen, honed at Dickey's Barbecue Pit where he previously served as CFO, is expected to drive financial excellence within RAVE.

Zack Viljoen's transition from Senior Director of Marketing and Strategy to overseeing both marketing and operations for Pie Five underscores the company's commitment to innovation and scale reimagining for Pizza Inn buffets. Denise Wilson returns to RAVE with a wealth of supply chain and distribution knowledge, having previously served the company from 2002-2013. Carlos Cojulun brings his marketing expertise from roles at Procter & Gamble, Del Monte Foods, and Amgen to lead national and regional marketing initiatives for Pizza Inn.

Roger Mangum will be responsible for operations and training in Texas and Oklahoma, while Liam Finn will concentrate on franchise development and investment banking. Brandon Solano, CEO of RAVE, expressed confidence in the newly appointed executive team's ability to enhance financial performance, reimagine scaling efforts, and expand store count.

RAVE Restaurant Group's portfolio includes the ownership, franchising, licensing, and supply of Pie Five and Pizza Inn restaurants. Established in 1958, Pizza Inn is celebrated for its buffet-style dining experience. Pie Five, launched in 2011, is recognized for its fast-casual customizable pizzas featuring fresh ingredients and house-made crusts. Both brands have demonstrated remarkable growth and profitability in recent years, setting a positive trajectory for RAVE's future endeavors.