The fast-casual Hawaiian concept Mo’Bettahs has named Rob Ertmann to the role of president, the company said Wednesday.
Ertmann, who previously served as chief operating officer at Philz Coffee, joins the 22-unit chain at a time of new growth. The Salt Lake City-based Mo’Bettahs expects to open 26 new units by the end of 2022, including first locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas City, Mo.
Before Philz, Ertmann served in leadership at Einstein Noah Restaurant Group and Peet’s Coffee. At Mo’Bettahs, he joins co-founders and brothers Kalani and Kimo Mack, who built the brand around their experience growing up in Hawaii.
“Rob Ertmann joins us at such a crucial time in our business as we continue to grow into new markets,” said Kalani Mack, in a statement. “His experience and multi-unit growth pedigree are the perfect fit to help Mo’Bettahs spread our authentic brand of Aloha to those customers looking for that true island taste.”
The concept was acquired by Savory Fund in 2017, a management group that infuses startup brands with capital and pairs them with experienced industry veterans.
“After reviewing and meeting with several dozen impressive leaders within the food-and-beverage industry, Rob Ertmann really stood out because of his genuine personality, his humility and his willingness to be a servant leader,” said Andrew Smith, Savory Fund managing partner. “To talk about how, in his first 100 days in a position, he would be in the trenches with the team learning the business, and that nothing was beneath him, was a match for each of us when picking the right person to lead this incredible brand.”
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