Beef ‘O’ Brady’s New Chief Development Officer to Penetrate New Growth Channels

Industry Veteran James Walker Primes Family Sports Pub Franchise for Large-Scale Deals

Tampa, FL - Beef 'O' Brady's newly appointed Chief Development Officer, James Walker, has launched a robust growth strategy for the family-friendly sports pub that combines continued traditional owner operator expansion methods with an increased presence in colleges and universities, airports and travel plazas.

Beef 'O' Brady's, a 250-unit restaurant franchise known for its fresh and flavorful chicken wings and burgers, as well as creating a bond with communities across the country, recently appointed Walker to attract experienced operators that will open new growth channels, as well as continue the robust expansion in traditional markets that began in 1998.

"In the restaurant industry, Beef's owns the family sports-pub concept. The creation and ownership of this category is a testament to the tremendous efforts of the previous leaders and base of dedicated franchisees," Walker said. "My plan from an operational development and growth standpoint is to maintain the integrity of the brand system-wide so that we continue to set ourselves apart and solidify success for new and existing franchisees in markets around the country. At the same time, we will pursue opportunities for experienced multi-unit restaurant operators that are equipped to build wide-scale presence for us in new venues and markets."

Walker, who for 10 years held key senior leadership positions at noted national food brands, including Chief Development Officer for Baja Fresh and President of Cinnaworks, a franchise group of Cinnabon, has a unique background in both operations and franchise development. In addition, Walker is completing his Global MBA at Duke University, and is also a professionally trained chef.

"We see significant potential for Beef's in college towns and other areas where our culture, food and environment is an ideal match," said Chris Elliott, CEO of Beef 'O' Brady's. "Walker's experience and skills with priming other brands for large-scale development in new growth avenues will be instrumental as Beef 'O' Brady's forges into the future."

About Beef `O' Brady's

Beef 'O' Brady's is a fast-growing national chain of family sports pubs that achieves its success by building relationships with the local schools, youth sports leagues, and other community organizations in each and every Beef 'O' Brady's neighborhood market. The "kid appeal" of this unique concept is reinforced by a very moderately priced kids menu and video games. Ironically, despite what the name implies, Beef 'O' Brady's is actually best known for its Buffalo-style chicken wings. Beef 'O' Brady's has more than 250 open restaurants throughout the Southeast and the Midwest.