Hangry Joe’s, the fast-growing hot chicken franchise with more than 90 locations, today announced the appointment of Brandon Wilhelm as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He will lead the company’s next phase of growth, with a focus on strengthening franchisee support, expanding the brand’s footprint as they are poised to open 20 new locations, and investing in the marketing and operational infrastructure behind Hangry Joe’s continued expansion.
Brandon Wilhelm brings more than 20 years of franchise development experience to the role. He spent nearly two decades developing Subway franchise territory across the Midwest as a Development Agent, eventually overseeing operations strategy for more than 500 quick-service restaurant locations and mentoring more than 140 franchisees, before joining the Hangry Joe’s system as a multi-unit franchisee and President of Hangry Development Texas. He currently serves on Hangry Joe’s Franchising’s Board of Directors and most recently served as the company’s Acting Chief Marketing Officer. Wilhelm holds a BBA from Baylor University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
“My number one focus as CEO is franchisee profitability — reducing COGS, driving sales, and improving our franchise partners’ bottom lines. If we give our franchisees the support, marketing, and systems they need to thrive, this brand will grow organically and quickly. I was actually considering stepping away from the restaurant business altogether, until I tried Hangry Joe’s and fell in love with the food. We have the best chicken in the industry, and I believe the whole country needs to try it.” said Brandon Wilhelm, CEO of Hangry Joe’s.
Under Brandon Wilhelm’s leadership, Hangry Joe’s will focus on four priorities. First and foremost, strengthening the profitability of its current franchised locations, ensuring existing franchisees have the support and unit economics to thrive. Second, bolstering the brand’s marketing and advertising investment to drive traffic and brand awareness system wide. Third, improving operational efficiency across the business to support franchisees more effectively. And finally, pursuing smart, disciplined restaurant development by pairing the right franchise owner with the right location, every time.
“Brandon has been a trusted partner to this brand for years, and we couldn’t be more confident handing him the keys to our next chapter. His operational experience and genuine commitment to our franchisees make him exactly the right leader to take Hangry Joe’s forward.” said Mike Kim, Co-Founder, Hangry Joe’s Franchising.
