Cunningham Leads Franchise Development Strategy as Brand Expands into New U.S. Markets and Eyes Worldwide Opportunities
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay has tapped Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer, leading franchise development strategy with a focus on new market expansion, as well as growth opportunities worldwide. He has almost three decades of experience in the QSR and franchising spaces at companies including Little Caesars Pizza, Inspire Brands and Domino’s.
“I’m excited to accelerate the brand’s franchise development by building a strong pipeline of well qualified, experienced franchise partners ready to expand the Bobby’s Burgers footprint,” he said. “The foundation of the brand is solid, and I look forward to working closely with the team and franchisees to drive growth. I also look forward to continuing to get hands-on experience at our flagship location in Charlotte, N.C., to help deepen my understanding and shape our franchising strategy moving forward.”
Cunningham said he is excited to work with co-founder and chef Bobby Flay and the rest of the niche burger brand’s leadership team. “Beyond the credible name recognition and appeal, I was impressed by the seasoned leadership team and their extensive restaurant industry experience, as well as the quality and simplicity of the product and concept. Bobby’s Burgers is a chef-driven brand with a simple menu and a smart operational footprint, which creates a strong foundation for growth,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham said his experience working with Domino’s, Inspire Brands and Little Caesars has prepared him for this new role by equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of franchise recruitment, operations, asset management and overall development strategy. “These experiences have given me the tools to lead Bobby’s Burgers’ franchising efforts and execute on our ambitious growth plans.”
President Michael McGill said Cunningham is the ideal person to drive the burger brand’s growth forward. “Patrick’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a proven leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to scale a brand successfully, and we’re thrilled to have him join the team at such a pivotal time in our growth,” McGill said.
Keys to Franchise Growth
Cunningham cited several keys to franchise development: building a pipeline of qualified and motivated franchisees, maintaining a compelling concept and providing strong support systems that enable franchisee success. “Franchisors should focus on operational simplicity, brand clarity and fostering a collaborative franchisee community to achieve scalable and sustainable growth,” he said.
In his spare time, Cunningham, a father of three, likes traveling and spending time with family, including cheering on his son’s lacrosse games. He also enjoys making wine as a hobby.
About Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay offers entrepreneurs tailored support to ensure that every location has a high-quality burger experience. With nine locations open and several in development, the burger franchise is launching its full-scale U.S. and international franchise expansion plan.
