Rock N Roll Sushi names Rick Gestring CEO
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The exterior of a Rock N Roll Sushi restaurantRock N Roll Sushi
Rock N Roll Sushi has named Rick Gestring its next CEO, succeeding Craig LeMieux, the chain of around 80 casual-dining restaurants based in Mobile, Alabama, said Monday.
Most recently, Gestring was brand officer of franchisee Tasty Restaurant Group, leading its KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of franchise operations for Honey Baked Ham, and before that was chief restaurant officer of Blaze Pizza. He also has held operations leadership roles at Dunkin’, Arby’s, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Taco Bell.
“Rock N Roll Sushi’s unique American-style sushi brand positioning, coupled with an electrifying restaurant experience and creative menu offerings, have created a tremendously loyal fan following,” Gestring said in a statement. “I look forward to leading the brand, in collaboration with our incredible franchisees and support teams, as together we turn up the volume on growth and expansion.”
Founded in Mobile in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Lance and Gerri Mach Hallmark, Rock N Roll Sushi has a mission to take the perceived pretentiousness out of sushi, offering baked and fried sushi rolls as well as traditional nigiri sushi and sashimi, plus fried rice and hibachi-grilled items.
In announcing the new CEO, Rock N Roll Sushi said his focus will be on building on its current foundation, with restaurants primarily in the Southeast, while looking for opportunities to strengthen operations, support franchisees, and expand.
LeMieux had been CEO since 2023 and has been working with Gestring to ensure a smooth transition
“When I joined Rock N Roll Sushi, I saw an opportunity to lead a truly distinctive brand,” LeMieux said in a statement. “I’m proud of what our team and franchise partners have accomplished, and I know Rick understands what makes this brand and its franchise community special. I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes Rock N Roll Sushi next.”
The chain’s chairman of the board, Sam Osborne, said he was confident in Gestring’s leadership.
“Rick brings a valuable combination of restaurant expertise, franchise knowledge, and a fresh perspective to Rock N Roll Sushi,” he said in a statement. “The board is confident in his ability to build on the foundation that has been established while identifying new opportunities to strengthen the brand, support our franchise partners and position Rock N Roll Sushi for long-term growth.”
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