St. Louis-based roast beef brand Lion’s Choice has appointed Fred Burmer as its new CEO. Burmer is an industry vet bringing 40 years of quick-service experience to his position at Lion’s Choice with executive leadership at brands such as PepsiCo, YUM Brands, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC and Long John Silver’s, according to a press release.
Current CEO Michael “Kup” Kupstas retires at the end of March. Burmer takes over April 3.
“Kup will remain an important part of the Lion’s Choice team as an investor in the business and as a strategic advisor to Fred and the Board of Directors. While he will be missed, we are confident that we have found the best candidate to lead Lion’s Choice,” Bob Millstone of Millstone Capital Advisors and board chair of Lion’s Choice, said in the press release. “Fred’s ability to grow brands in diverse settings, high integrity and leadership uniquely position him as a natural fit for leading Lion’s Choice in its next stage of development. Fred is relocating with his wife, Diane from Atlanta to St. Louis, and he is excited to be a part of an iconic brand that has such enthusiastic and loyal customers.”
Burmer has most recently served as COO of a of a Yum Brand franchisee based in the Mid-Atlantic. He has expanded the market footprint and corporate value.
“I have immense respect for the legacy of this brand and for the team members who have made it all possible for the last 55 years,” Burmer said in the press release. “I look forward to honoring the legacy of this iconic brand while bringing my own experience to take Lion’s Choice to 56 years and beyond.”
