Fast-casual chain Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh has named Larry Sidoti, left, to the newly created position of chief development officer.
Sidoti founded the Juice It Up! chain in 1995 and grew the concept to more than 180 locations before leaving in 2008. Since then he has held leadership positions at Famous Brands, parent company of Mrs. Fields and TCBY, as well as Yogurtland and Ruby’s Diner. Most recently he was chief development officer for Paris Baguette America.
At Garbanzo he will focus on fueling growth through franchising, a company spokeswoman said.
“Larry is an innovative, visionary leader that promotes an empowering culture based on values of transparency, integrity and respect,” Garbanzo CEO James Park said in a release announcing Sidoti’s appointment. “He has experienced repeated success in maximizing business growth and will undoubtedly play an instrumental role in accelerating Garbanzo’s productivity and development.”
Denver-based Garbanzo currently has 29 locations, of which 10 are franchised.
“I’m proud to join a brand that is giving Americans a delicious way to eat healthier food,” Sidoti said. “Garbanzo is already a leader in fast-casual Mediterranean cuisine and has incredible potential to accelerate its success. I’m eager to build off of this momentum and leverage my expertise to take Garbanzo to a whole new level.”
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