Rave Onboards Two Execs to Spur Franchise Growth

Rave Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza, announced today it’s added two new people to its leadership team.

Darren Webb is the new director of development for Rave, supporting both Pizza Inn and Pie Five, and Dion Firooznia has been named franchise business consultant for Pizza Inn.

“Darren and Dion will help continue the momentum that we’ve built and will really focus on driving development in the Carolinas, which is a key area of expansion for Pizza Inn and where both individuals are based,” said Rave chief operating officer Mike Burns. “Darren and Dion have impressive backgrounds in developing well-known brands and a history of working together previously, so we are thrilled to have them join the RAVE team.”

Webb spent nearly 15 years as director of real estate for Bojangles Restaurant, real estate manager for Sam’s Xpress Car Wash and director of franchise real estate for Take 5 Oil. At RAVE, Webb will be responsible for the national expansion of both Pizza Inn and Pie Five, the company said. In addition to franchise sales, he offer real estate and construction support. For the company. Webb will also focus on expanding franchise agreements with existing owners to grow their portfolio with Rave.

Firooznia with 26 years of industry experience, the company said. He worked with Webb at Bojangles serving as regional vice president before becoming an operating partner for 14 Qdoba Mexican Eats Restaurants in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. In his role for Pizza Inn, Firooznia will work with franchise owners to execute and improve company initiatives at the local level, creating more consistency in the guest experience for the brand.

“Darren has a great network in the Southeast, specifically in the Carolinas,” said RAVE CEO Brandon Solano. “Dion is a skilled communicator, a best-in-class operator and an expert at building relationships. Those skills will serve him well with franchisees. We believe Pizza Inn has huge potential to thrive in the North Carolina market, and these two men will be key for RAVE to develop a stronger presence in this area of the country.”

Rave Restaurant Group currently owns, operates and franchises over 230 Pie Five Pizza, Pizza Inn and PIE restaurants domestically and internationally.