Rick Gestring currently serves as Senior Vice President, Franchise for Honey Baked Ham where he is responsible for the sales growth and operational performance of all franchise stores and the future growth of the brand through new franchise store openings and additional franchise development agreements.
Prior to that, he was the Chief Restaurant Officer at Blaze Pizza where he led the Company and Franchise Operations, Training, Guest Experience, and Operations Services teams. He contributed to the continued growth of the brand by leading new store openings, restructuring store support, and leading the revitalization of the store-level business model.
While at Dunkin’ he Vice President, Operating Systems and Restaurant Experience for Dunkin’ Brands supporting over 9,400 franchise owned restaurants. He was responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Dunkin’ brand in all aspects of the restaurant experience. Through collaboration and innovation, Mr. Gestring was responsible for ensuring the execution of operating standards to achieve restaurant excellence. He led the introduction of a new purpose driven guest experience program designed to “refill optimism” among guests, franchisees, and restaurant teams in pursuit of “inspiring joy filled experiences.”
Prior to Dunkin’, Mr. Gestring co-led the Arby’s brand relaunch in 2014 resulting in the remarkably successful revitalization of that iconic brand. This was a comprehensive re-positioning that focused the brand on a newly defined “Fast Crafted” positioning supported by a brand purpose of “Inspiring Smiles Through Delicious Experiences.” This turnaround was fueled by a new “We Make It Right” guest experience program and groundbreaking restaurant employee brand indoctrination entitled “Brand Champ.” It was designed to train, trust, and empower restaurant team members to be champions of the brand and to make a difference in their own life and the lives of others.
Previous experience includes various leadership positions with Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, Don Pablo’s, and Taco Bell.
Mr. Gestring enjoys travel, exploring new restaurants, cinema, art, golf, and working out. Having grown up on a farm in the small town of Red Cloud, Nebraska and later living in such great American cities like Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Boston, he feels fortunate to have experienced small town values and big city living. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.