Project Pie, a build-your-own-pizza franchise, has added two restaurant veterans to its leadership team.
Brian Watkins has been named Director of Operations at Project Pie. With more than 25 years of restaurant experience, Watkins served previously as an operating partner for two Jason’s Delis. Over his 12-year tenure, he supervised eight Pei Wei Asian Diner restaurants in Southern California. At Pei Wei, Watkins managed staff and oversaw the guest experience.
Steve Brigandi has been appointed to Administrative Officer and General Counsel at Project Pie. Brigandi previously held senior management positions at Jack In The Box, and was operator and franchisor of 2,300 Jack In The Box and 625 Qdoba Mexican Grill restaurants in which he managed all company franchising policies and procedures. Before his time in the restaurant industry, Brigandi worked as a corporate and litigation partner with a San Diego law firm for approximately 15 years.
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“As we grow our brand nationally and internationally, the toolboxes Brian and Steve bring to the table is awesome,” said James Markham, CEO and Founder of Project Pie. “In a very short time, Brian has already brought our labor costs down dramatically. Steve’s past experience in growing a brand is significant — and these are the types of qualities franchisees want to see.”
Founded in 2012, Project Pizza has plans to open 27 new stores over the next five years. In January 2014, Project Pie formed a partnership with NYC-based Lee Equity Partners, headed by investor Thomas H. Lee.
