On the heels of opening its 21st location, Austin, Texas-based Via 313 Pizzeria has appointed Kiplan Welsch its president. Welsch has served as the Detroit-style pizzeria’s vice president of operations since 2023.

Originally hailing from Oklahoma, Welsch has been in restaurant operations his entire career. He started at Chili’s back in 2002, where he oversaw new store openings during its high-growth period across multiple markets. After working at PF Chang’s as an operating partner, he then spent the next decade at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where he rose in the ranks and ultimately served as its area vice president. Welsch then moved to Bluestone Hospitality as its vice president of operations, overseeing 34 restaurants and five area directors.

For the past year, Welsch has been instrumental in Via 313’s growth strategy and leadership development as the brand entered its fifth major metro, reached a milestone 131,000 members on its loyalty and rewards apps and ranked on the 2024 Inc. 5000.

Related: Rise of an empire: Via 313 gears up to conquer the West

“I am honored for the opportunity to lead Via 313 as its president and am eager to maintain the incredible momentum we have built as a brand,” said Welsch, who lives in Texas with his wife, Shannon, and their two daughters. “My ultimate goal is to protect the culture and the integrity of the brand that Brandon and Zane have built, as well as keep the brand moving forward with innovation, technology, and hospitality.”

Via 313 started 13 years ago in a small, non-descript trailer in Austin, Texas. Founded by Detroit-born brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, the pizzeria began with a passion for sharing the style of pizza the Hunts knew and loved growing up. In 2020, Via 313 partnered with Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm that invests in emerging restaurant concepts.

“We’ve watched Kip lead Via 313 with undeniable strength and care,” said Andrew K. Smith, managing director of Savory Fund. “Via 313 is leading the Detroit-style pizza casual dining revolution, and Kip is the right leader at the right time. We’re thrilled to work alongside him while we expand Via 313 into more markets across the country.”

“We have the utmost trust and respect for Kip and the way he is leading Via 313,” co-founder Zane Hunt added. “Not only does he understand restaurant operations, but he understands the heart of Via 313 and what makes our culture unique. My brother and I are grateful to have his high caliber of experience and character at the helm.”