SAN CLEMENTE Calif. Robert Rodriguez, an industry veteran who has held roles at Dunkin’ Donuts, Togo’s and Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, was named president and chief operating officer of Pick Up Stix, the nearly 100-unit fast-casual chain owned by Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., officials said Tuesday.
Rodriguez replaced interim Pick Up Stix president Chris Devlin, a senior vice president at Carlson Restaurants. Devlin had been serving in the role on an interim basis after Ray Blanchette left about a year ago to become chief executive at Joe’s Crab Shack.
Rodriguez will report to Carlson Restaurants’ chief executive, the company said. Richard Snead, president and chief executive of Carlson Restaurants, currently remains on a health-related leave of absence that began in mid-September. According to a spokeswoman, Snead is doing well, but she could not confirm when he will be returning to Carlson. Jeff Balagna, a Carlson Hospitality executive vice president, is serving as Carlson’s interim chief executive.
Most recently Rodriguez served as brand president of Dunkin’ Donuts. He also has served in various roles at Togo’s, Mrs. Fields, Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, McDonald’s and Taco Bell, when it was owned by PepsiCo.
Carlson Restaurants also owns the T.G.I. Friday’s casual-dining brand.