Mike Welch, a 30-year veteran of the quick service restaurant industry, has purchased nine Arby’s restaurants in Broward County, Florida.
Welch joined Arby’s in 2000 to oversee company and franchised owned restaurants. Under his tenure, Welch led the company operations team following the 2002 acquisition of Sybra, Inc., the second largest Arby’s franchisee at the time with more than 230 restaurants in nine states. He was also instrumental in implementing several operations enhancing programs resulting in increased revenue and traffic growth and improved operational efficiency.
“We are thrilled that Mike will be staying with the Arby’s family,” said Doug Benham, President & CEO, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “His extensive operations experience and entrepreneurial spirit will be a huge asset to our franchise system.”
“Arby’s is fantastic to work for and now to work with because the products are innovative and unique to the industry and the company has such a strong commitment to customer service,” said Mike Welch. “I believe in the leadership of Arby’s, so I jumped at the opportunity to own and lead a franchise business.”
Prior to Arby’s, Welch held senior leadership positions with national brands such as Wendy’s International and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. He also led a company that owned Burger King and Domino’s Pizza restaurants in Poland.
Welch will team with his son, Chris, to operate the South Florida Arby’s restaurants.
