Long John Silver’s, the nation’s largest quick-service seafood chain, has named Brian Unger as chief operating officer. He joins the organization with more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry.
Unger’s restaurant operations experience began as a manager trainee at McDonald’s, where his talent was recognized and rewarded with promotions and international leadership positions in the Caribbean and Latin America. He achieved the positions of senior vice president of McDonald’s USA and vice president of McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada.
After more than 25 years with McDonald’s, Unger joined the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. as chief operating officer, where he worked alongside James O’Reilly, who was recently appointed as Long John Silver’s chief executive officer.
“We were very methodical in our search for the right COO candidate,” says O’Reilly. “Because of my previous experience working with Brian, I’m confident in his character and his ability to deliver the same impressive results to Long John Silver’s that he’s achieved throughout his career.”
Unger adds, “James and I have similar leadership styles. We’re passionate about the brand, and ready to build upon the great success that Long John Silver’s has had domestically and internationally while igniting change that will make it the best seafood restaurant in the quick-service category.”
Among his many accomplishments, Unger is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of captain. He joined the Marine Corps after graduating from California State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
He and his wife Jacki believe in the value of higher education and support the efforts of enriching the educational experience at Flagler College in St Augustine, Florida, through a study abroad scholarship and other significant donations.
