Tony Gioia, chairman and chief executive officer of Togo’s Holdings, LLC, this week announced his retirement, effective May 31, after leading and growing the “West Coast Original” sandwich chain for 10 years. A restaurant and private equity industry leader, Gioia will remain on the Togo’s Board as a non-Executive Chairman.
Glenn Lunde, Togo’s Chief Concept Officer, will be promoted to President of Togo’s, reporting directly to the Board, effective June 1. Lunde, who joined Togo’s in January this year, has been leading Togo’s brand transformation strategies, including the chain’s operating format and menu strategies. A restaurant industry veteran, Lunde has led branding and marketing in executive roles at chains such as Taco Bell, Round Table Pizza, and Panda Restaurant Group.
“It has been a privilege to lead the company for ten years, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at Togo’s in that time,” says Gioia. “Glenn Lunde is a tremendously talented executive and is the ideal candidate to step in and take Togo’s to the next level of growth and success.”
Gioia has been a leading executive in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Togo’s, he served as CEO for several public and privately held restaurant companies. He was also President at Baskin Robbins, served on the executive committee for Dunkin’ Donuts, and was Chief Operating Officer at Wolfgang Puck Food Company. Gioia has also been an executive partner with several private equity firms and recently spearheaded the sale of Togo’s from previous ownership to Nimes Capital, LLC.
“I have been a loyal Togo’s customer since my high school days in the Bay Area and I am very excited to lead this amazing Brand in its next phase of growth,” says Lunde. “Tony has created a permanent place in the outstanding legacy of Togo’s, and I will continue to benefit from his knowledge and experience with him serving on our board.”
Lunde has plans to enhance Togo’s menu offerings and traditional recipes, coupled with a new menu board design, featuring the Brand’s hand-sliced premium meats with larger portions. Further news on Togo’s menu transformation, along with Lunde’s new executive team, will be announced soon.
