American Restaurant Concepts Inc., parent to the regional Dick’s Wings & Grill concept, has named industry veteran Richard W. Akam chief executive, the company said Monday.
Akam succeeds Michael Rosenberger, who will resign from all officer and director positions effective July 31.
Akam served as chief executive at Hooters of America LLC from 1995 to 2003, and chief operating officer of First Watch, Raving Brands and Twin Peaks.
Dick's Wings & Grill serves chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads and waffle fries in a family-oriented, sports-themed atmosphere.
Lafayette, La.-based American Restaurant Concepts said in a statement that Akam would focus on expanding Dick’s Wings franchises outside its Florida base. The chain currently has one restaurant in Georgia.
“Rick and his group have the experience, relationships and financial resources that are necessary to grow the company into a national brand,” Rosenberger said.
Akam said in prepared remarks: “We will be appointing additional management and board members to the company in the immediate future so that we have the intellectual and financial resources necessary to execute upon our aggressive growth plans.”
Rosenberger said he had helped grow the company from its founding in 2000 into a publicly traded franchise company.
American Restaurant Concepts operates and franchises 15 full-service Dick's Wings & Grill restaurants and two Dick's Wings Express units.
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