Food Chain - Issue 199 - April 2024 | Page 32

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Established in 2011 in Lauderdale-bythe-Sea , Florida , BurgerFi ® , owned by BurgerFi International , Inc ., crafts exceptional burgers using fresh ingredients sourced from top American suppliers , all while upholding an unwavering commitment to flavor and quality . Upon acquiring Anthony ’ s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings ( Anthony ’ s ) in November 2021 , the company has experienced remarkable expansion .

Indeed , as of January 2024 , BurgerFi operated and franchised 168 restaurants , of which 108 were BurgerFi and 60 were Anthony ’ s . Carl J . Bachmann , BurgerFi ’ s newly appointed CEO , provides a thorough update on the company ’ s latest endeavors .
“ I assumed the role of CEO at BurgerFi just over eight months ago and have since spent much of my time meeting with franchisees , field teams , and restaurant staff . During this period , I devised a five-point business plan focused on key strategic priorities aimed at driving the business forward . Subsequently , we identified gaps in our menu offerings and have introduced new , chef-inspired selections and limited-time offers that resonate with our commitment to quality ingredients and unique flavors . Expanding our footprint has also been a major area of focus for us . I believe in delivering the BurgerFi experience to guests in ways that accommodate their preferences , which is why we ’ ve extended our reach to non-traditional locations such as airports , movie theaters , and entertainment parks . Additionally , we opened our first dual-branded concept , which is the first franchise location for Anthony ’ s in Kissimmee , Florida – the family entertainment capital of the world . This inaugural franchise location has enjoyed tremendous success , and we plan to launch new locations in strategic markets along the East Coast corridor , introducing both the BurgerFi and Anthony ’ s brands to a broader audience ,” he begins .
Top-tier products
Carl shares his vision for BurgerFi , highlighting his strategy for a thriving business . “ My leadership roadmap is centered around what I term ‘ the three Ws ’: win for the guests , win for the team members , and win for the shareholders , which includes both investors and franchisees . In addition , I adhere to five fundamental tenets : infrastructure , taste , portfolio definition , operational excellence , and marketing . Infrastructure involves building the most talented teams and thoroughly training and developing those teams . Secondly , taste and quality are prioritized throughout every aspect of our operations . Then , in terms of our portfolio definition , we consider our successes and areas of struggle across various dimensions , including real estate , regional markets , and
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