CiCi’s Pizza added two new executives to oversee the buffet chain’s branding, franchising and marketing efforts.
The Coppell, Texas-based chain named Bill Spae chief development officer and Nancy Hampton chief marketing officer.
The 600-unit company also said it has plans to add 500 outlets over the next five to six years.
A veteran restaurant executive, Spae most recently was a franchisee of Taco Bueno. Prior to that, he served as president of Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern, president of the Steak & Ale division of Metromedia Restaurant Group and chief executive of Palm Beach Tan.
“CiCi’s Pizza is ideally positioned to expand,” Spae said. “Our value proposition is incredibly attractive, and the concept is relevant anywhere in the country.”
Previously, Hampton had served as vice president of brand strategy at Romano’s Macaroni Grill and worked with Corner Bakery.
She said CiCi’s, which is known for its $4.99 buffet, has die-hard fans. “It’s already on a trajectory of growth,” Hampton said, “and its strong ‘own value’ message is one that everyone wants to hear.”
CiCi’s has restaurants in 35 states.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].