Freebirds World Burrito has named Jim Mizes to its new president position, parent company Tavistock Restaurants said Thursday.
Mizes served most recently as chief executive and president of Club One, a fitness facility chain. He has also served as vice president of brand development and store operations for Jamba Juice. Prior to that, he was president and chief executive of Noah’s New York Bagels.
In the past, Mizes has served as operations services vice president for Taco Bell and vice president of operations at Winchell’s Donut House.
Emeryville, Calif.-based multi-concept operator Tavistock Restaurants bought the Freebirds chain in 2007. At the time, the fast-casual burrito chain had 19 units.
Under Tavistock, the chain has grown to 54 units, with corporate growth in recent years focused on Texas, Oklahoma and California.
Tavistock is planning to launch a franchising program in the fourth quarter, and officials said the company is in active talks with franchisees to grow the brand nationally. [In addition to Freebirds, Tavistock owns and operates more than 90 restaurants across 16 concepts, including Abe & Louie’s, Alcatraz Brewing Company, Atlantic Fish Company, AquaKnox, Blackhawk Grille, Cafe del Rey, California Café, Cañonita, Charley’s, Coach Grill, Joe’s American Bar & Grill, Napa Valley Grille, Sapporo Scottsdale, Timpano Italian Chophouse and ZED451.
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