Highly-Skilled Restaurant Franchise Development Executive Tapped to Lead Dynamic Growth Strategy for Portfolio Companies Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
ATLANTA – Two of America’s largest full-service family restaurant brands are now under the strategic guidance of one of the restaurant industry’s most sought-after franchise development executives.
Ascent Hospitality Management, parent company to portfolio brands Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (Perkins), has named Peter Ortiz as the new Chief Development Officer for both concepts. Ortiz has a track record of successfully accelerating franchise growth for some of the nation’s preeminent restaurant concepts. His appointment comes on the heels of both brands recently announcing newly-designed expansion strategies aimed at dynamic, nationwide development.
“When you consider the combined 700-plus restaurants open or under development between the brands, as well as Ascent’s commitment to modernizing the concepts, this decision forms a strong foundation for a remarkable future. I’m positive that talented restaurant investor/operator groups will see why now is clearly the time to invest in either Huddle House or Perkins,” said Ortiz, who most recently was at the helm of franchise growth for QDOBA. “Each brand fills a unique space in the restaurant sector, offering the opportunity to take advantage of prime real estate availability in attractive markets that remain untapped.”
In his new position, Ortiz is prioritizing multi-unit franchise development deals across the United States. Leveraging flexible Huddle House and Perkins restaurant designs, he will engage new franchise prospects looking to diversify their portfolios with leading brands in the family dining segment.
Ortiz will lean on franchise growth accomplishments that span more than 30 years, having previously led growth efforts for brands such as Moe’s Southwest Grill, QDOBA, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Schlotzsky’s, among others. Over the course of his career, Ortiz’s efforts have netted sales of nearly 2,000 franchises throughout the United States and internationally. In one of his most recent roles at Potbelly, Ortiz led the company’s franchise growth strategy and nearly doubled the brand’s franchise footprint through multi-unit deals.
“Peter’s strong work ethic, determination and reputation for successfully growing notable franchise concepts make him just the right fit for Huddle House and Perkins. His unique perspective and wealth of experience will help continue to steer these brands on their upwards trajectory,” said Michael Abt, CEO Ascent Hospitality Management. “We look forward to following Peter’s lead in established tight bonds with a new collection of skilled franchisees.”
Ortiz joins Huddle House and Perkins at an exciting time of modernization for the concepts. In the past year, both brands have developed new restaurant prototypes optimized for an off-premises dining experience, engaging with customers in a new way. In addition, Huddle House and Perkins have moved forward with adjustments to their online ordering platforms, further streamlining curbside pickup, drive-thru and delivery processes. These advancements, paired with recently integrated third-party delivery partnerships, have positioned the brands for strong futures with proven operators.
As Huddle House and Perkins continue to target growth and open in new areas throughout the United States, each brand is focused on attracting qualified multi-unit franchise owners with experience in restaurant management and an interest in breakfast and bakery-focused concepts. They both offer variable design, real estate and operations options for seasoned restaurant owners looking to diversify their portfolios within the family dining segment.
About Huddle House
Committed to serving “Any Meal, Any Time,” Huddle House restaurants have become icons in the communities they serve throughout the country by “Bringing Friends and Family Together, Over Delicious Food, Served from the Heart”. The core values on which the brand was founded – serving freshly prepared, quality homestyle food in a warm, friendly environment that brings the community together – are as true today as they were when it was founded 57 years ago. Today, the brand has more than 300 locations open or in development. Named one of the Top 200+ Franchises by Franchise Times and ranked among Thrillist’s list of “Regional Breakfast Chains that Should Be Everywhere,” Huddle House continues to be adored in each of the markets it serves. Huddle House Inc. is an Ascent Hospitality Management brand.
To learn more about Huddle House franchise opportunities, visit huddlehousefranchising.com and for more information about the brand, visit the company website at huddlehouse.com.
About Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Founded in 1958 as a single pancake house, Perkins has grown to 290 company-owned and franchised locations across 32 states and Canada.
Starting with dozens of pancake and waffle options, Perkins expansive menu includes other breakfast favorites like omelets and benedicts, and with breakfast served all day, people can get exactly what they want with their signature Build Your Own Breakfast. Other menu items include hearty homestyle entrees like juicy burgers, scrumptious skillet dinners and a wide selection of soups and salads, as well as our Bottomless Pot of Coffee®.
Perkins iconic in-store bakery offers a wide selection of fresh-baked fruit pies, cream pies, and other treats like decadent Cinnamon Rolls, fudge brownies, cookies, and our signature Mammoth Muffins®. All of Perkins menu and Bakery items are available to order online at perkinstogo.com.
Perkins takes great pride in our service and experience, embracing a “Kindness Served Daily” philosophy. As a leading full-service concept within the FSR space, Perkins continues to grow its corporate presence and with multi-unit franchise operators by offering a number of flexible build options.
To learn more about Perkins franchise opportunities, visit https://perkinsfranchising.com/.
