Bennigan's Promotes Four Execs

Bennigan's Franchising Co. has promoted four executives at the casual-dining company's corporate support center.

The Bennigan's executive changes, effective immediately, are:

• Shawn Finn, formerly franchise business coach, was promoted to vice president of international operations. Finn is responsible for supporting Bennigan's franchise operators in 12 nations as well as leading various initiatives domestically. He has been with Bennigan's since 1987.

• Dan Poudrier, formerly director of training and operations, was promoted to vice president of operations and training. He will oversee all training, including a new online "Bennigan's University." He joined Bennigan's in 1997.

• Jennifer Gamble, formerly director of marketing, was promoted to vice president of marketing. She has been with Bennigan's since 2005.

• Nikki Tichansky, formerly brand coordinator, was promoted to brand manager and will oversee the chain's neighborhood marketing, including social media and restaurant-based "brand ambassadors." She joined Bennigan's earlier this year.

"Each of these remarkable individuals has demonstrated the passion and commitment it takes to achieve legendary levels of performance for our iconic brand," said Paul Mangiamele, president chief executive of Bennigan's.

The Dallas-based company also reported opening a new franchise store earlier this month in Lake Worth, Texas, a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb. The new unit, in a converted T.G.I. Friday's location, has 132 seats and is owned by franchisee Luis Ibarguengoytia, of I-Pub LLC.

Bennigan's has about 35 units in the United States and 45 abroad.

Contact Ron Ruggless at ron.ruggless@penton.com.
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