Whataburger faucets previous Starbucks exec as COO

Whataburger has hired Debbie Stroud as its new COO and EVP, in accordance to a push launch.

Stroud most not long ago served as SVP, U.S. retail operations for Starbucks Espresso Business. Prior to Starbucks, Stroud put in 27 a long time with McDonald’s in a lot of roles, ultimately serving as VP and basic manager in the U.S. Southeast.

“I am so excited that Debbie will be our new COO. She provides 30 years of significant-impact management in the restaurant marketplace to Whataburger,” Ed Nelson, Whataburger president and CEO, claimed in the press release. “Her encounter primary functions in a time of accelerated development will truly benefit our brand as we carry on to develop across 15 states and supply bold flavors, extraordinary hospitality and significant communities in our 930-in addition destinations. She has a fantastic electricity and passion all-around connecting with men and women and building good groups, and I know our 51,000 family associates are going to profit from her knowledge.”

“There is one thing actually one of a kind about Whataburger. It’s a relatives-founded, beloved brand name with a strong legacy and a wildly loyal supporter base — and it is in a genuinely interesting phase of expansion,” Stroud claimed in the pres release. “There is unbelievable satisfaction amid the Whataburger family associates and in the brand’s fresh new, higher high quality made-to-purchase meals. I am thrilled to add in a way that improves the culture of delight, treatment and really like as a result of the expertise for equally spouse and children customers and consumers.”

Strand will report to Nelson and will be component of the senior management team.

Whataburger operates extra than 900 destinations throughout 15 states.