CHIEF OPERATOR CHANGES
Burger King Burger King has appointed
Tom Curtis as COO of Burger King Americas. He has joined the leadership team to oversee field operations, restaurant development and restaurant operations.
Curtis joins Burger King
Photo Credits: Burger King, Culvers, Hard Rock Cafe, Little Caesars Pizza, Topgolf and Waba Grill
BRIAN KRAUSE
TOM CURTIS COO Burger King Americas
RICK SILVA CEO
Culver Franchising System
KIM BOEREMA CEO Hard Rock Cafe
PAULA VISSING COO
Little Caesars Pizza
from Domino’s, where he built an impressive 35-year career and most recently served as executive vice president, U.S. operations and support, overseeing both franchise and company-owned operations. Prior to that role, he led U.S. company operations as executive vice president of corporate operations. Curtis will report to Christopher Finazzo, president of Burger King, Americas. “We are excited to add another seasoned expert to our leadership team and for our entire system to benefit from his impressive experience and operational expertise,” Finazzo says. “Tom will be an important leader and asset in our journey to provide an exceptional guest experience at Burger King, including rapidly scaling our digital capabilities and offering a consistent and loved experience at our restaurants.” “I’m proud to join the iconic Burger King brand at a time when leadership is focused on building a world-class guest experience,” Curtis says. “After 35 years in the industry, it’s exciting to start a new role with a loved global restaurant brand that is driving product innovation and digital leadership.”
Curtis began his career in quick service restaurants in 1985 as a Domino’s store manager. He later joined the brand as a franchisee in the New Haven, Connecticut, area from 1987 until 2006. After franchising, Curtis joined Domino’s corporate in 2006. Tom Curtis joined Burger King in mid-May and is based out of the company’s Miami headquarters.
Culver’s
Culver Franchising System announced the appointment of Enrique “Rick” Silva as its new CEO effective March 29. Silva previously led the transformation of Checkers &
Rally’s Restaurants, Inc. in his 13 years as CEO. While at the organization, he created a “family-serving-family” culture among its franchisees, support teams and restaurant teams; grew the enterprise value from $180 million to $525 million; improved unit-level operating margins by more than 300 basis points; and built a world-
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ARTIE STARRS CEO Topgolf Entertainment Group
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class franchise sales strategy and unit growth process. For the 13 years before Checkers & Rally’s, Silva’s category knowledge was further enhanced by leadership positions at Burger King Corporate. “As we searched for Culver’s next leader, we were looking for several key characteristics – a true culture and values fit, the ability to support and expand the successful growth of our current and future franchisees, and a drive to genuinely deliver on our Culver’s Mission: We genuinely care, so every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy,” said co-founder Craig Culver. “We are confident that Rick can do all three and are excited to see what he brings to further accelerate Culver’s.” Culver’s previous CEO was Joe Koss, who retired at the end of 2020 after successfully supporting and leading this growing organization for 23 years.
Hard Rock Cafe Hard Rock International has appointed Kim Boerema as the
president of cafe operations for Hard Rock Cafe. In his new role, Boerema will provide leadership and strategic oversight to company-owned and franchise cafes, drive Hard Rock’s world-famous branded retail merchandise business and grow the Hard Rock Cafe portfolio. Boerema will report directly to COO of Hard Rock International Jon Lucas and work closely with direct reports, David Pellow, senior vice president of operations at Hard Rock International, and Anibal Fernandez, vice president of franchise operations and development, to establish alignment across the division and strengthen the Hard Rock Cafe brand. “Kim joins Hard Rock with a remarkable track record and a wealth of experience in restaurant leadership, which we are confident will grow the Hard Rock Cafe brand,” Lucas says. “Kim’s vast experience and knowledge of the restaurant industry will bring a diverse set of skills to the team and provide crucial insight to the overall strategic operations for the Hard Rock Cafe division.” Boerema has more than 33 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries. He most recently served
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