PANELISTS

Brian Dixon | Director of Real Estate | Team Oney, a Papa John’s, Starbucks & Qdoba franchisee

Brian Dixon is the Director of Real Estate for Team Oney, a Starbucks Master Licensee, Papa John’s and Qdoba franchisee operating more than 90 locations throughout Florida. He brings 17 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate which follows +20 years in franchise operations, the bulk of which was with Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees including international expansion. Brian started his current position with Team Oney over five years ago where he created the Real Estate Department from scratch and worked with the Operations Team to accelerate development and acquisitions. Under Brian’s leadership, Papa John’s increased their locations from 51 to 75 (and counting) and acquiring a Starbucks Master License.

Brian Loescher | Chief Operating Officer | Golden Chick

Brian Loescher has served as COO in the Golden Chick headquarters since 2021, after serving as VP Franchise Operations. Golden Chick is a growing QSR franchise that prides itself on providing delicious food and great customer service. Golden Chick has 205 locations throughout TX, OK, SC, FL, and LA. Prior Experience: From September 2017 to August 2019, Brian served as Franchise Development Manager for YUM Brands (dba Pizza Hut). From May 2014 to June 2019, he served as Associate VP of Franchise Operations for Grandy’s LLC. From February 2002 to May 2014, Brian served as Training Consultant Manager, District Partner and Area Supervisor for Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.

John Ramsay | VP of Franchise Sales | Noodles & Company

John Ramsay brings 28+ years of experience in Franchising and development with large mature organizations and emerging growth concepts. John has developed over 900 restaurants, covering all fifty states and twelve countries. He is currently Vice President of Franchise Sales for Noodles & Company. Started in 1995, and with over 450 restaurants, Noodles & co. is a leader in Fast Casual restaurants. Noodles is positioned for growth with strengths in off-premise dining, a robust digital platform, and a unique menu. John holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech, and is a Certified Franchise Executive with the International Franchise Association.

Jim Thompson | VP of Operations | Chicken Salad Chick

Jim Thompson CFE has over 25 years of leading operations teams for brands like Wendy’s, Kings Family Restaurants, D’Angelo and Papa Gino’s. Jim was hired by Chicken Salad Chick’s co-founders, Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2013. Since that time, he has built and led operations, training, and the development of management and purchasing systems that have been instrumental to Chicken Salad Chick’s expansion from six to more than 135 restaurants over the past six years. Jim continues as the strategic operations executive for Chicken Salad Chick, and he works closely with CEO, Scott Deviney, and the company’s leadership team. He has built strong relationships within the franchise community.

MODERATOR

Stacey Kane | Restaurant Marketing Consultant

Stacey Kane has more than 25 years of experience working with multi-unit restaurant chains as a Head of Marketing and Marketing Consultant. She has worked with such brands as California Tortilla, Think Food Group, Subway and East Coast Wings. Known for her incredible creativity and obsession with data she was one of the pioneers of using social media in the restaurant space and was named a Top 20 Movers and Shakers by Fast Casual Magazine three times. Currently, Stacey is a fractional CMO for several fast casual brands including and works as a marketing consultant for CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees a non-profit that serves food and beverage employees with children.