Cicis took the interim tag off William Mitchell’s CEO title, the company announced May 8. Mitchell, the former president of Dunkin’ Brands International, held the position since January.
“Bill has an outstanding track record as a leader of large franchise systems, improving operations, customer service and overall business growth,” said Arlon managing director Ben Fishman. “We have deep confidence that he will continue to strengthen and improve Cicis in meaningful ways for our strategic partners and most importantly, our guests.”
In 2016, Arlon Group acquired Cicis, which was founded in Irving, Texas, in 1983. There are currently 430 restaurants in 31 states and Cicis said the chain has experienced positive sales growth and overall improvements in guest satisfaction and food quality since the purchase.
At Dunkin’, Mitchell was responsible for nearly 8,500 Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins stores across 60-plus countries. Before, he was president of global operations at Papa John’s International. Mitchell also held a leadership role at AFC Enterprises (Popeyes Restaurants at the time), where he was responsible for business planning and operation of 1,400 franchise units.
“This is a dynamic time to join the Cicis team because while the system has come far, there is still so much more we can do to become stronger operators, serve our guests better and grow the business,” Mitchell said in a statement. “My first area of focus is to get out in the field to meet our franchisees and listen to their ideas about improving how we do things at Cicis.”
Mitchell now officially succeeds Darin Harris, who stepped down in January.