Smashburger on Wednesday named Michael Nolan the chain’s new chief executive officer and president.
Nolan had been the 365-unit better burger chain’s chief development officer since February. He replaces Scott Crane, who resigned as CEO last week.
“Michael has a great history with the Smashburger brand and a great career delivering unparalleled food and hospitality experiences for customers around the world,” Smashburger chairman and cofounder Rick Schaden said in a statement. “At Smashburger, we continue to set aggressive goals for quality, value, service and sales on an increasingly large scale. Michael’s experience and perspective will be instrumental as we evolve from a regional player to a food first global brand.”
Nolan has more than 25 years of experience in restaurant development strategy and executive level management. Before taking the job at the Denver-based Smashburger, Nolan had been the chief development officer with Corner Bakery. He also held executive level management positions with Bloomin’ Brands Inc. along with Panera Bread.
His promotion to the CEO job follows Smashburger’s recapitalization in 2015 that included a new strategic partnership with the Philippines-based quick service operator Jollibee Foods Corporation.
Departing CEO Crane had been with the company since 2007, when Smashburger had just two locations, and he’d been the CEO since 2013.
“Scott is a valued leader and great friend,” Schaden said. “He is an executive who has great food service embedded in his DNA. We have deep appreciation for everything he has done for the company, our brand and, most importantly, our people.”
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