Beto Guajardo has been named president and CEO of Blaze Pizza. Guajardo formerly served as president of Focus Brands International, according to a press release.
Prior to joining Blaze Pizza, Guajardo oversaw international business at Focus Brands, including sales in more than 50 markets with 1,900 restaurants, 100 franchisees and eight brands, including: Cinnabon; Auntie Anne’s; Jamba; Seattle’s Best Coffee; Moe’s Southwest Grill; McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s. He was also responsible for the turnaround of the 370-unit Schlotzsky’s brands, resulting in 30 weeks of consecutive same-sales growth.
“I am incredibly energized and honored to be joining the Blaze Pizza team,” Guajardo said in the press release. “This is an exciting time for the brand, and I’m eager to continue the initiatives underway to enhance restaurant excellence and provide value for our franchisees and customers. We have significant opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working with the team to accelerate our next phase of growth.”
Guajardo also previously served as SVP of global strategy for Starbucks and held positions at Levi’s Strauss & Co., Avon Cosmetics and McKinsey & Company.
Blaze Pizza operates more than 330 restaurants across 38 states and six countries. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
