Rock & Brews, the growing casual-dining concept founded by members of the band KISS, has named its first chief executive.
Mike Reynolds, the former chief development officer for smoothie brand Robeks Corp., has been appointed CEO of Rock & Brews, the Los Angeles-based chain co-founded by KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, the company said Monday.
The appointment comes as Rock & Brews prepares for a “world tour” of franchise expansion throughout the U.S. and overseas, the company said.
“Rock & Brews is taking off, and Mike Reynolds has the unique combination of talent and experience that will help us further expand the brand,” Stanley and Simmons said in a joint statement. “Our world tour has begun and Mike will carefully select multi-unit franchise partners to take on large territories as we grow.”
With eight locations in California, Kansas, New Mexico, Hawaii and Mexico, Rock & Brews is a family-friendly, rock-and-roll-themed concept with a broad selection of beers, a state-of-the-art sound system, and play areas for both kids and dogs.
The chain offers three formats for growth: a traditional casual-dining restaurant, an airport variant and a layout designed for large-scale entertainment and sporting venues.
In his experience with Robeks and other brands, Reynolds has sold more than 750 franchises domestically and internationally, Rock & Brews said.
Before joining Robeks, Reynolds was cofounder and senior vice president/general manager of Big City Bagels Inc. He is a former business development director for Arby’s and a former director of brand development for Grand Met Burger King/Häagen-Dazs.
Reynolds will report to Rock & Brews managing partners Michael Zislis and Dave and Dell Furano.
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