This Subway Veteran Went Undercover To Try Out a Hot Chicken Chain. Now He’s CEO.
Now running Hangry Joe’s, Brandon Wilhelm says he’d rather have fewer, better stores than chase 300 locations.
Brandon Wilhelm's career trajectory is a fascinating one, especially for those in the fast-paced world of fast food. As a veteran of Subway, Wilhelm took a bold move by going undercover to try out a hot chicken chain, Hangry Joe's. This unorthodox approach not only gave him a unique perspective on the brand but also ultimately led to him becoming its CEO. It's a testament to his dedication to understanding the customer experience and willingness to think outside the box.
What sets Wilhelm apart from many other CEOs is his focus on quality over quantity. In an industry where rapid expansion is often seen as a key metric of success, Wilhelm is taking a more measured approach. He's prioritizing having fewer, better stores rather than chasing an arbitrary goal of 300 locations. This strategy suggests that he values long-term sustainability and brand integrity over short-term gains. As the fast food landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if this approach pays off for Hangry Joe's.
As Wilhelm navigates his new role as CEO, there are several factors to watch. One key area is how he balances the need for growth with his commitment to quality. Will Hangry Joe's be able to expand its reach without sacrificing the unique experience that drew Wilhelm to the brand in the first place? Additionally, how will Wilhelm leverage his experience at Subway to inform his decisions at Hangry Joe's, and what lessons will he apply from his undercover research? As the company moves forward, industry observers will be keeping a close eye on Wilhelm's progress and the impact of his unconventional approach.
Originally reported by entrepreneur.com. BarterWire adds analysis for business & startups readers.