ATLANTA, June 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, the world's second-largest chicken chain and a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (TICKER: AFCE), announced the addition of industry-veteran, Bob Melberth, who recently joined Popeyes as vice president of franchise support. Melberth will lead a franchise support team enhanced in the operations area. The addition of Melberth and other key support positions in marketing, training and development, illustrates a tremendous investment in the success of the company's franchisees.
"Our management team has taken a long hard look at where the brand has been and what changes are needed to make the Popeyes culture one of operations excellence, allowing existing franchisees to become more successful than ever and attracting quality business people to join the franchisee team," said Ken Keymer, president of Popeyes. "We are thrilled to have Bob Melberth leading our franchise support team. With more than 26 years of operations experience, he will be instrumental in raising the support we provide our franchisees to the next level."
As vice president of franchise support, Melberth will provide strategic and tactical leadership for business consulting services, opening support, compliance, guest relations and overall operations support to Popeyes franchisees. He has spent the last 11 years with McDonald's Corporation in franchise and company operations. In addition, Bob spent 10 years with Wendy's International, Inc. serving in several executive-level positions, including vice president of U.S. franchise operations where he was responsible for the management of a 90 person national staff who supported 2,600 franchised units.
Determined to revitalize the brand, Popeyes has designed a better way to support franchisees, delivering results, driving operational excellence and the growth of new restaurants. From consumer relevant marketing to realistic development schedules, the focus is on making the brand a thriving concept with solid sales growth.
"It's simple," said Keymer. "Popeyes is investing in our franchisees to ensure the future success of the brand."
For more information on franchising with Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits please visit the new and improved website at www.popeyesfranchising.com.
Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken concept. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes had 1,803 locations as of Feb. 22, 2004, in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 21 other countries. Visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' website at www.popeyes.com.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of 4,091 restaurants, bakeries and cafes as of Feb. 22, 2004, in the United States, Puerto Rico and 36 foreign countries under the brand names Popeyes(r) Chicken & Biscuits, Church's Chicken(tm) and Cinnabon(r), and the franchisor of Seattle's Best Coffee(r) in Hawaii, on military bases and internationally. AFC's primary objective is to be the world's Franchisor of Choice(r) by offering investment opportunities in highly recognizable brands and exceptional franchisee support systems and services. AFC Enterprises had system-wide sales of approximately $2.6 billion in 2003 and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.afce.com.
The Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=341