Whit’s Frozen Custard is welcoming an experienced franchise and restaurant operations leader to its team as Amos Durbin joins the company this week as chief operating officer.
Durbin brings more than two decades of restaurant and franchise leadership experience to Whit’s, with a career focused on helping franchise partners grow, strengthening operations and building brands in new and existing markets.
Most recently, Durbin served as chief operating officer of Viking Group, a Donatos franchise partner, where he led the company’s day-to-day operations. Before that, he joined JHG Pizza as chief operating officer, supporting the company’s Donatos franchise operations. He was named CEO and managing partner just 30 days later and subsequently helped guide that company through a transition to new ownership.
Durbin previously spent 4½ years at Donatos as vice president of franchise operations, where he worked closely with franchise partners to strengthen their businesses, streamline operations and expand the brand. During his time with Donatos, franchise partners more than doubled EBITDA, average unit sales increased by more than $4,000 per week, and the brand expanded in both new and existing markets.
Durbin’s time at Donatos also gives him a familiar connection to Whit’s CEO Bill Aseere, who previously worked alongside him.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Amos before, and I saw firsthand the way he approaches franchise operations and, more importantly, the way he works with people,” said Aseere. “He understands that successful growth is about much more than opening more stores. It’s about giving franchise partners the tools, support and confidence they need to build great businesses while protecting what makes the brand special. Amos brings tremendous experience and energy to Whit’s, and I’m excited to have him on the team as we continue growing this brand together.”
In addition to his experience with Donatos, Durbin served as a regional director at DineEquity, where he represented IHOP in the family dining segment and supported franchise business consultants, training consultants, and marketing consultants.
Earlier in his career, Durbin also spent more than 12 years with Red Robin, where he led five district managers supporting 32 restaurants generating $106 million in revenue and played a role in opening 108 new restaurants.
At Whit’s, Durbin will help lead the company’s operations and support its growing network of franchise partners as the brand continues expanding into new communities across the country.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Whit’s at such an important point in the company’s growth,” said Durbin. “There’s something special about this brand. Whit’s has a great product, passionate franchise partners and a culture that is genuinely focused on the communities where its stores operate. My goal is to help build on that foundation — supporting our franchisees, strengthening our operations and creating the systems and resources that allow Whit’s to grow while staying true to who we are.”
Durbin’s background in franchise operations and multi-unit restaurant leadership will help Whit’s strengthen its support for franchise partners as the brand expands its footprint while maintaining its local-owner approach. Whit’s growth strategy centers on franchise partners who bring the brand to their own communities and make each location their own.
From scoop to smile, Whit’s Frozen Custard is committed to serving unforgettable frozen custard in spaces inspired by the communities it calls home. With frozen custard made fresh daily, a growing family of franchise partners and a focus on community, Whit’s continues to bring its down-home approach to more neighborhoods across the country.
