Scooter’s Coffee has made two C-suite hires, adding Susan Tegt as its new chief legal officer and John Owen as chief operating officer. These additions come shortly after the Omaha-Neb.-based coffee chain named Joe Thornton as CEO.
Owen, left, is tasked with executing the drive-thru chain’s operational strategies to drive sales and service goals, and partnering with franchisees to develop such strategies. He joins 
Scooter’s with over 36 years in the industry, including a variety of operations and leadership positions at McDonald’s. He then joined Subway Russia as president and CEO where he helped the brand double to more than 700 restaurants in the market. Owen also served as principle of Owen & Associates, an executive consulting firm for restaurant and retail suppliers. Most recently, he was president of Acrelec Americas, a global tech company focused on the customer experience for restaurant and retail brands.
“As we continue to set our sights on expanding our brand’s footprint and providing world-class coffee and customer service, we are delighted John has joined our Scooter’s Coffee family,” Thornton said in a statement. “I am confident John’s alignment with our core values and his extensive industry experience will allow us to build upon our brand promise to customers and help us drive sales and excellence in operation.”
Tegt, left, is an experienced franchise attorney who will lead Scooter’s legal team, provide strategic counsel, and ensure compliance with franchising regulations. She previously served as outside counsel for Scooter’s with Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, Ltd. She served as shareholder and director with specialization in franchise, intellectual property and commercial litigation, and arbitration. Prior, she was senior counsel for Self Esteem Brands LLC, and also spent time as an associate attorney at two firms in Minneapolis.
“I am incredibly excited to have Susan join our team and bring along with her a deep understanding of the franchise model,” Thornton said. “Susan is a talented leader who aligns with our core values. Her diverse set of experiences that will help us think strategically in the legal space as we accelerate our brand.”
Scooter’s Coffee finished 2023 with over 750 locations in 30 states.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]