May 23, 2013

Industry News | January 23, 2013

Back Yard Burgers Appoints Dave McDougall as New CEO

Back Yard Burgers Inc., the popular Nashville-based quick-service burger chain, announces the appointment of foodservice veteran David McDougall as the company’s new chief executive effective immediately.

McDougall, who has a successful track record as a senior leader in both quick service restaurant and full-service restaurants, joins the 85-unit chain, with more than 30-years-experience in franchising, operations, international, and supply chain management. Throughout his foodservice career, McDougall earned a reputation for operations optimization, financial engineering, technology enhancements, and international expansion, as well as team leadership.
 
“Dave has built an enviable career based on integrity, inspiring others and understanding the needs of both franchisees and franchisors. He brings the whole package to our brand and we couldn’t be more delighted,” says Jim Phillips, chairman of the Board of Directors of Back Yard Burgers Inc. “As the next chapter unfolds for the company with our emergence from restructuring and our fresh new start, we feel that Dave’s seasoned leadership will be invaluable in returning the Back Yard brand to one of prominence.”
 
McDougall joins Back Yard Burgers from FranIntel Inc., an Atlanta-based financial and operations C level services firm supporting emerging to midsize franchisors, where he served as president for two years.
 
This announcement comes on the heels of Back Yard Burgers’ pre-arranged Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing and subsequent reorganization plan, both aimed at protecting the brand’s value, which enjoys wide acceptance across a broad spectrum of consumers.
 
The restructuring plan, which did not include franchise-owned locations and had full support of both the company’s owner and secured lender, was recently confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company now has 22 company-owned and 63 franchised locations in 20 states. 
 
Prior to his tenure at FranIntel, McDougall served as the senior vice president of quick service restaurant operations for NexCen Brands Inc., a multi-brand franchise company based in Atlanta. NexCen operated such brands as Marble Slab Creamery, Great American Cookie, and Pretzel Maker, had over 1,200 locations with annual sales of $375 million and operated in twelve countries before being sold to Global Franchise Group.
 
Previous to NexCen, McDougall spent twelve years with Cinnabon in various capacities, including as vice president of operations at FOCUS Brands, a multi-concept franchise company owned by Roark Capital.