MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pincho Factory (“Pincho” or the “Company”), the family owned Latin American fast-casual concept known for pioneering the combination of premium hamburgers and grilled kebabs (“pinchos”) with a Latin-twist, announced today the appointment of Jim Mizes and Andy Howard to the Company’s Board of Directors.
“It is a distinct honor to add these highly respected and valued members in the restaurant industry to our Board of Directors,” said Nedal Ahmad, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Pincho. “Their leadership and extensive experience with emerging concepts in the competitive restaurant space will be invaluable as we enter our next chapter of growth.”
Jim Mizes, CEO & President of Blaze Pizza, joins Pincho Factory’s Board with 30 years of industry experience. Under Jim’s leadership, Blaze Pizza is the fastest growing restaurant chain in the United States growing from 2 locations to over 200 in just the past four years. Jim has a proven history of leading consistent, accelerated growth of multi-unit retail and foodservice concepts through strategy, execution, communication, cultural alignment and systems as well as financial and operational turnaround of multiple businesses. Prior to joining Blaze Pizza, Jim was responsible for growing Jamba Juice from 40 to 400 locations and also helped lead Noah’s Bagels U.S. expansion.
“From my first meeting with the Pincho founders, I’ve been very impressed with their energy, story and especially the quality and flavor of their food,” said Jim Mizes. “Their authentic approach to Latin street food combined with their premium fast-casual approach makes it a truly unique concept that differentiates them within the restaurant industry. I look forward to leveraging my experience and insight as they chart their growth ahead.”
Currently CEO of Huey Magoo’s Restaurant, Andy Howard brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in the restaurant space to Pincho’s Board. Prior to this role, he held the position of Executive VP, CMO at Wingstop, where he helped the company grow from 80 units to over 600 units while leading menu expansion efforts credited with dramatically growing sales. Mr. Howard has also served in a range of leadership roles at Ranch One and Kenny Rogers Roasters after getting his start at Wendy’s.
“I’m excited to be joining Pincho Factory’s Board of Directors at such an important time in their evolution,” stated Andy Howard. “This is a young and vibrant brand that has significant opportunities to expand in new and existing markets and I look forward to working with the team to bring Pincho Factory to a broader audience.”
Pincho currently has 5 company owned and 5 franchised locations throughout South Florida, with plans to expand to 100 locations nationwide over the next 5 years. The Company opened its first location in Miami in 2010.
About Pincho Factory
Based in Miami, Florida, Pincho Factory was founded during a 4th of July family BBQ in 2010 by three cousins Nedal Ahmad, Otto Othman and Nizar Ahmad. The brand quickly transpired into a successful collection of 10 restaurants throughout Florida. The rapidly expanding fast-casual food chain serves up pinchos, also known as kebabs, bowls and salads along with mouthwatering, premium hamburgers and a variety of other quality hormone-free food. For more information about Pincho Factory please visit Pincho Factory.com
