American Roadside Burgers has announced that Joe Numberger has been named director of operations.

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Smithtown, New York, American Roadside will open a location in Columbia, South Carolina, in January of 2013 and one in Greenville, South Carolina, this spring. 

“Joe is essential to helping American Roadside expand and open new restaurants in the Southeast,” says Rich LaVecchia, CEO of American Roadside Burgers. “His experience developing and operating fast-casual, multiunit concepts like Qdoba brings valuable expertise to our concept and team.” 

The Columbia location is near completion and located in the new Cross Hill Market, anchored by Whole Foods.

Numberger has spent his entire career in the foodservice arena. Most recently, he served as consultant and director of operations for the founders of the new South Carolina State Farmers Market, where he developed concepts for a restaurant, food truck, and exhibition/demonstration cooking kitchen.

Prior to this he spent 10 years in Charlotte as the operating partner for Sez-Tec LLC, a Qdoba Mexican Grill franchisee. He opened the first location in 1999 and built the company to 24 locations in three states before the company was sold to the former owners of the Bojangles’ chain in 2008. 

Early in his career he owned and operated Applegate’s Landing and Pandora’s restaurant in Northeast Columbia.

“Joe truly believes in outstanding service, high-quality products, and an enjoyable experience for every customer,” LaVecchia says. “With his expertise and knowledge of the brand that we have established, American Roadside will become even better as we continue our expansion.”

Numberger says, “Columbia is ready for new development and exciting concepts like American Roadside. It’s a warm and comfortable dining experience that offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect fit for our city.” 

American Roadside’s Columbia location is scheduled to open for business on Saturday, January 12, 2013.