Sonny’s BBQ Hires 3, Adding to Operations Team

Orlando, Fla.-based Sonny’s BBQ has made a trio of appointments, with seasoned individuals hailing from Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza and Inspire Brands, respectively.

The new hires are as follows:

• Matt Zeiger, who has 25 years of financial and operational leadership, joins as chief financial and development officer.
  

  Matt Zeiger

  He will oversee finance and development. Zeiger spent a significant portion of his career at Yum Brands in roles including CFO of Pizza Hut Korea, where he led a major turnaround and oversaw the re-franchising of more than 100 restaurants. Most recently, he was CEO and CFO of Quality Restaurant Group, a 340-unit, multibrand franchise organization operating across 15 states; there, he delivered substantial EBITDA growth and led systemwide operational enhancements.

• Debbie Pirone joins as director of training and operations support, bringing over 25 years of food and hospitality experience to the team. In this role, she will work to enhance employee performance and implement “consistent, brand-aligned training programs that support the development of both corporate and franchise teams,” notes a release. Pirone spent 20 years at Domino’s Pizza, where she led operations, training and franchise development.
• Eric High, as director of franchise relations, will serve as a strategic partner to franchise operators. High has over two decades of experience supporting franchisees and driving operational excellence, having previously served as director of franchise operations at Inspire Brands, where he oversaw more than 650 Dunkin’ franchised restaurants across the South Central U.S.

George McAllan, chief growth officer at Sonny’s BBQ, says the new hires’ expertise will be key to strengthening the brand’s systems and elevating the experience for team members and guests alike.

Sonny’s BBQ—which offers signature pulled pork, sweet tea and unique appetizers, among other items— has nearly 100 units across eight southeastern states.