FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sep 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Natural and eco-friendly pizza restaurant franchise and 2010 Hot Concept Winner, Pizza Fusion welcomed Larry Zwain, former President of PepsiCo Restaurants Intl (dba Yum Brands-International division), CEO of Boston Market and Senior Vice President of McDonald’s to its board of directors.
The addition of Zwain to the Pizza Fusion board completes a powerhouse team leading the rapidly expanding company. Additional industry experts on the board include former President and co-founder of Office Depot, Mark Begelman; CEO of Benihana, Richard Stockinger; and Subway’s largest area developer, with 1100 Subway units, Larry Feldman.
Larry Zwain is a seasoned industry expert with over 25 years of broad-based, domestic and international Marketing and General Management with major restaurant operators and franchisors leading strategic planning, business development, resource alignment and rapid growth. He is credited for boosting sales and profits at Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut (outside the US) while President and Chief Operating Officer of PepsiCo Restaurants International division. Zwain was also President of PJCOMN — Papa John’s Pizza Colorado/MN, where he acquired 84 Papa John’s company-owned stores and became a Papa John’s Pizza franchisee.
Most recently, Zwain acts as Partner for National Retail Concept Partners, a management advisory firm servicing companies in the restaurant, automotive aftermarket, franchising, and retail industries.
Mark Begelman, CEO of Pizza Fusion, stated: “Larry’s comprehensive background and extensive experience will be invaluable to Pizza Fusion. I am delighted to welcome Larry to the Pizza Fusion family.”
“Pizza Fusion is founded on unique principles of food quality and environmental experiences which include a deep appreciation for freshness, great taste, and honest ingredients which are enjoyed in atmospheres that surpass those usually found in quick service restaurants,” commented Larry Zwain. “I am proud to be part of such a pioneering organization and look forward to help drive their success.”
Pizza Fusion is aggressively expanding its area developer program and still has some top market positions available. In addition, the restaurant franchise is rapidly acquiring new multi-unit owners and new franchisees.
Founded in the best interest of the individual and the environment, Pizza Fusion is the 2010 Nation’s Restaurant News Hot Concept Winner and the number-one green franchise in North America. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL, the organic pizza restaurant chain offers fresh, natural and organic foods in all its eco-friendly, LEED certified locations worldwide. Pizza Fusion’s mission is to uphold the highest level of integrity in all they do, from the quality and origin of their food to their care for the health of their customers and the environment. Pizza Fusion, “Saving the Earth, One Pizza at a Time.” (www.pizzafusion.com)