SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Souper Salad, Inc. today announced the appointment of four new members to its management team, completing a transition that began with the selection of Tim Taft as the Company's President and CEO in August of this year. The new officers will focus on the long-term strategy of growth for both Souper Salad and Grandy's restaurant chains, through the areas of operations, marketing, supply chain management and brand culture.
Ward Olgreen, a 31-year veteran of the restaurant industry, joins the Company as its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Olgreen is tasked with the responsibility of providing operational leadership and support to Souper Salad and Grandy's in addition to working on the brands' franchising strategy, supply chain management and new concept designs.
Danny Meisenheimer, with 17 years of experience in the family dining and quick service restaurant formats, joins the Souper Salad and Grandy's team in the newly created position of Chief Brand Officer. Mr. Meisenheimer will be responsible for all things related to brand positioning, including strategy, advertising, restaurant design and customer retention.
Joe Brink, with more than 16 years of restaurant experience in the areas of research and development, purchasing and distribution, joins the Company as its new Vice President of Supply Chain Management. Mr. Brink will be responsible for all aspects of supply chain management, as each brand looks to leverage its buying and distribution power to improve products and profitability.
Vivien Horton joins Souper Salad and Grandy's as the Director of Human Resources with more than 20 years experience in the restaurant industry. Ms. Horton's responsibilities will include all aspects of communication, culture building and management development plans for new restaurant openings.
"I'm excited to announce the addition of these professionals to the management team," said Tim Taft, President and CEO of Souper Salad, Inc. "These individuals and the team members they join will be instrumental in the revitalization of both brands. We each share in the vision for what these companies can become and are completely dedicated to growing our business in fresh, innovative ways. Souper Salad and Grandy's has a team that can compete with anyone in the business and in these extraordinary times, compete we will."
To view photos of the new team members click here. http://www.soupersalad.com/news/team/photos.htm
About Souper Salad, Inc.
Founded in 1978, San Antonio-based Souper Salad, Inc. operates two successful restaurant concepts under the Souper Salad and Grandy's brands. The company currently operates 151 locations in 17 states, including 85 company-owned stores and 66 franchise-owned and operated stores under its Souper Brands system. Over the past 30 years, Souper Salad has established a reputation across the Southwest for fresh, healthy and affordable dining in a casual, comfortable environment. Grandy's has served up fresh, homestyle meals in a quick service restaurant environment for the past 30 years.
About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in and managed more than 190 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $35.0 billion since Sun Capital's inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates with offices in London, Tokyo, and Shenzhen. For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com.