Johnny Rockets has named Charles Bruce president and CEO, the company said.
Bruce was formerly president and CEO of Peter Piper Pizza. He replaces John Fuller, who was named Johnny Rockets CEO in 2010, after serving as the company’s chief financial officer for two years.
“We’re fortunate to have Charles Bruce join Johnny Rockets,” said David Finnigan, a member of the Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based operator’s board of directors. “Charles impressed us with his strong leadership skills demonstrated throughout his career, and he has a solid background developing integrated brand strategies that achieved substantial sales growth for a variety of brands. Moreover, he has a proven track record establishing productive relationships with franchise partners.”
Bruce joined Peter Piper as chief marketing officer in 2009, and was later promoted to president and CEO after a successful turnaround. Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Peter Piper was acquired by CEC Entertainment Inc. in October 2014.
Prior to Peter Piper, Bruce held marketing and brand strategy positions with the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association as vice president of marketing, and at Wendy’s as vice president of international marketing. He also held positions at Damon’s Grill, Captain D’s Seafood and Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina.
The 330-unit Johnny Rockets chain was acquired by an affiliate of private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners Inc. in 2013.
In 2014, Johnny Rockets rolled out a new Route 66-inspired prototype with four formats, a drive thru, a drive in, a food truck and a movie theater pop-up.
