JAMCO Interests LLC, the parent of Friendly’s and Brix Brands, has named Carissa DeSantis to the role of chief technology officer, the Dallas-based company said Wednesday.
Formerly the chief information officer at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc., DeSantis will oversee the technology and digital efforts across JAMCO’s brands, which include Friendly’s and the Brix Brands portfolio: Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Souper Salad, Smoothie Factory and Red Brick Pizza.
JAMCO is the majority stakeholder in Brix Holdings, the franchisor of Brix Brands, and of Amici Partners LLC, an investor group that acquired Friendly’s in late 2020.
It’s a coming home of sorts for DeSantis. Before working at Dickey’s, DeSantis led restaurant technology for TGI Fridays. JAMCO is also a member of TriArtisan TGIF Partners LLC, which is majority owner of TGIF Holdings LLC, which owns and operates the casual-dining chain TGI Fridays.
Sherif Mityas, JAMCO operating partner, said in a statement, “As we broaden our business and accelerate our growth through our portfolio brands, Carissa’s expertise and leadership across a broad array of innovative technologies will deliver unique and differentiated experiences for our guests and team members, which will be the foundation for all our brands moving forward.”
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