Romano’s Macaroni Grill announced the addition of industry veteran James Deyo III to the executive team as executive vice president of franchise operations.
“We are delighted that James has joined the Mac Grill team,” says John Gilbert, CEO of Romano’s Macaroni Grill. “We have a significant franchisee base for our brand in the international marketplace and have been seeking experienced leadership. James brings both a great deal of experience and an innovative approach to growth.”
“It is our intent to grow with our existing franchise base and look for additional franchisees in new markets,” Gilbert continues. “There is a huge potential for the style of Italian food that Mac Grill does and we have a number of new initiatives, including our Romano’s Kitchen Counter, fast casual express, that leverages this potential.”
Deyo brings extensive experience to the Mac Grill team, most recently serving as the COO for Italianni’s International. Before Italianni’s, he worked in several roles for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, including the TGI Friday’s brand as director of operations, vice president of operations and executive director of international; Friday’s Front Row, Friday’s American Bar, and Italianni’s. He previously spent time at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) providing financial and business advisory services to several international clients.
Deyo earned his MBA from Babes-Bolyai University’s School of Economics where he also served as a Fulbright Scholar. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business with B.S. degrees in Accounting, Finance, Economics, and Management, as well as a Certificate in International Business. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors society.
“James was introduced to the franchisees at our International Franchisee Convention last month and made a very positive impression,” Gilbert concludes. “We look forward to James having a huge impact on our brand.”
Macaroni Grill has grown to nearly 150 company-owned locations in 33 states, plus 25 franchise locations in the U.S. and eight other countries. The company generates more than $300 million in U.S. sales and another $40 million through its franchise operations.
