JERICHO, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nathan’s Famous, Inc, one of America’s oldest traditions serving the flavor of New York for more than 100 years, announces today the hiring of two industry veterans, Erik Mallon and Jim Hicks, to bolster its franchise sales and development teams. Both bring over 25 years of restaurant and franchise experience to the Nathan’s Famous brand.
Erik Mallon will serve as Senior Director of Franchise Development, and Jim Hicks assumes the role of Director of Operational Services and Training.
“The past year has been a busy one as we’ve readied Nathan’s Famous for new franchise growth and development," states James Walker, Senior Vice President, Restaurants. "Hiring these two industry veterans helps us close out 2019 strong, and prepare for our growth plans beginning in 2020. I’m excited to have Erik and Jim join our team, their reputations have certainly preceded them, and I know they will help us to continue to serve the flavor of New York in new stores across the country.”
Erik Mallon
Erik Mallon is a sales, operations, and franchise industry executive with over 25 years of experience in both domestic and international markets. He has worked with various retail companies and QSR’s, both as a franchisee and a franchisor. Erik began his tenure with My Gym Children's Fitness Center as a multi-unit Area Developer. He quickly moved into franchising, where he was VP, Franchise Development, and President, International Division. Through Master Franchise Agreements, he expanded the My Gym brand to over 30 international markets. Erik was also a multi-unit franchisee with 16 Handles for more than eight years and became VP, Franchise Development when the company expanded its franchising efforts. Most recently, Erik served as the Director of Company Center Operations and VP, Franchise Development for Huntington Learning Centers, where he spearheaded the successful re-franchising effort of company-owned centers.
At Nathan’s Famous, as the Senior Director of Franchise Development, Erik Mallon will focus on the sales process from initial solicitation through contract completion.
Jim Hicks
Jim Hicks joins Nathan's Famous with over 25 years of senior management experience in restaurant operations and corporate support. Most recently, Jim was Country Director, US West for Subway, where he was responsible for 5,300 locations in 13 western states. Before Subway, Jim was the Senior Vice President of North America for Johnny Rockets. His career also includes senior-level positions at Fresh Enterprises, El Pollo Loco, and Prandium Restaurants (Koo Koo Roo, Hamburger Hamlet, and Chi Chi’s Mexican).
Jim Hicks will support existing Nathan’s Famous franchisees and their management teams by developing new systems and procedures to maximize sales for each store, manage the supply chain, as well as work with new franchisees through the various stages of the restaurant development process.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Erik and Jim join our team,” continues Walker. “I look forward to the incredible work they’ll do for Nathan’s Famous in 2020 and beyond.”
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Nathan’s Famous, visit http://franchise.nathansfamous.com.
About Nathan’s Famous:
Nathan’s is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and 14 foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Last year, over 700 million Nathan’s Famous hot dogs were sold. Nathan’s was ranked #22 on the Forbes 2014 list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013. For additional information about Nathan’s, please visit our website at www.nathansfamous.com.
