Awadallah previously served as chief operating officer for the Nordic-based Espresso House Group, part of JAB Holding Company.

Inspire Brands has announced the appointment of Ahmed Awadallah as chief operating officer of Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars. This is now the second C-suite change the casual-dining brand has announced this summer, following the appointment of Scott Nelson as CMO in June.

Awadallah joins Buffalo Wild Wings from Espresso House Group (a branch of JAB Holding Company), where he served as managing director and COO of the 500-unit Nordic coffeehouse brand. Before that, he held multiple leadership roles at Yum Brands, including most recently, chief operations and customer officer for Pizza Hut.

“Buffalo Wild Wings was purpose-built for social connection, and that guest-focused experience comes to life in our more than 1,200 sports bars worldwide,” Tristan Meline, Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars brand president, said in a statement. “With more than two decades experience across operations leadership and engineering, Ahmed is the ideal leader to drive continued operational excellence and efficiency across our business.”

In his new role, Awadallah will be focused on global franchising, brand experiences, and technology-driven efficiencies.

“I am passionate about brands that bring together great food and beverage with a dining experience that builds connection and loyalty,” he said. “That’s why I could not be more excited to join Buffalo Wild Wings and work alongside our sports bar team members and franchisees to foster an energetic, customer-centric environment.”

Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com

Source https://www.nrn.com/casual-dining/buffalo-wild-wings-names-ahmed-awadallah-coo