TRUFOODS LLC is delighted to announce the appointment of Stew Stolz as executive director of operations in charge of the Ritter’s Frozen Custard brand. Effective May 3, 2013, Stolz accepted his position and brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to the veteran frozen custard franchise. Stolz’s extensive background, most recently as the franchise operations manager at TRUFOODS LLC, will help Ritter’s achieve continued success throughout the year and spearhead the introduction of a new product portfolio.
“We are thrilled to have Stew join Ritter’s and assume his oversight role to help build the brand even further,” says Gary Occhiogrosso, interim president and CDO of TRUFOODS LLC. “We believe we have found the perfect fit in Stew in order to help us focus on future growth and development.”
Stolz is no amateur in the food business, with more than 25 years of industry experience, he will be able to take on an expert headship role with the 24-year-old custard brand. The new executive director previously worked in food service operations as well as in system implementation, marketing, and franchising. Prior to focusing solely on Ritter’s, Stolz’s primary role at TRUFOODS LLC was creating business opportunities for the franchisees of Wall Street Deli, Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips, and Pudgie’s Famous Chicken. In his new position, Stolz will bring his knowledge and proficiency to concentrate on Ritter’s advancement in the marketplace, vendor relations, sales initiatives, new store openings, and introducing the new Ritter’s burger program.
“I believe in Ritter’s and am looking forward to working hands-on with all areas to elevate the brand to even greater triumph,” says Stolz. “Ritter’s is one of America’s most beloved frozen custard brands. With my leadership in place, I hope to position the company to exceed current objectives and grow the brand nationwide, allowing even more neighborhoods to experience the great product and joy Ritter’s encompasses.”
In April 2008, Ritter’s came under the TRUFOODS LLC umbrella in an effort to brighten the iconic company’s image and allow for greater expansion into new markets. With fierce customer loyalty, the widely recognized brand will continue expanding into new territories in 2013. Ritter’s supplies frozen custard to 24 locations nationwide, and with new management in place, will be positioned to not only deliver desserts to customers, but also to launch new products.
"Ritter’s is a neighborhood staple has great respect in the current communities it serves; under Stew’s guidance, we will be able to take the brand to the next level,” Occhiogrosso says. “With the country’s genuine love of the product, and our newly appointed expert, we can bring new relevance to the concept and make it easier for franchisees to build and spread into new territories.
