December 2013
| Business World Magazine | 111
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ku-
wait and Puerto Rico.
A development deal was signed in
2012 to bring six franchises to Mexico
City, a 62nd franchise outlet was opened
recently in Oaks, Pa. – roughly 30 miles
from downtown Philadelphia – and 2014
is expected to include both a fourth fran-
chise opening in Dubai and a new com-
pany restaurant unveiling.
The burst of activity comes on the heels
of a transition at the top of the company
early in 2013, when Ian Baines arrived as
the new chief executive officer.
“There are times when a new CEO
takes over the leadership role in a com-
pany and there is a course correction and
a change in focus,” Houston says. “We
were very fortunate that did not happen.
Ian has continued to build on the path
that Frank Guidara started us on when he
joined us in 2005. That path is to provide
our guests with friendly, hospitable ser-
vice while serving flavorful quality menu
items.
“Ian has brought great insight into ca-
sual dining, and that has helped us tackle
some of the issues that are facing casual
dining today.”
One of Baines’ strengths, in Houston’s
