Dive Brief:
- Former Togo’s Sandwiches CEO Glenn Lunde has returned as the chain’s chief executive, the company said in an emailed press release this week.
- Togo’s appointed Matt Dowling, former CFO, as CEO last year, when Lunde left to become CEO of Yoshinoya’s. Dowling has since retired, leading to Lunde’s return. Togo’s current CFO is Farhan Jalil, a spokesperson said in an email.
- Prior to stint at Yoshinoya, Lunde led the sandwich brand as CEO for five years, and helped improve its position within the competitive fast casual segment, according to the press release. With his return, the company will focus on ongoing growth and “strategic direction.”
Dive Insight:
Togo’s will push several strategic priorities with Lunde at the helm. That will include improvements to its loyalty program and growing its digital and delivery capabilities, per the press release.
The chain will also push for more franchised growth and plans to enter new markets. The chain currently has 170 units open or under development on the West Coast and in the Southwest. Last year, Togo’s opened a handful of locations in California, Nevada and Washington.
While the company has had some growth in recent years, its store count has trended down, hitting 150 open units at the end of 2024 compared to 169 at the start of 2022, according to its franchise disclosure document. The brand lost 13 franchised units while company-owned units increased by three in 2024. The company projects six franchised openings this year, per the FDD.
Franchisees have been focused on remodeling their stores to a 3.0 Speedline format since 2018. Franchised units with the 3.0 Speedline format had higher average unit volumes compared to franchisees without remodels, per the FDD.
“Our focus is on bringing fresh ideas to the table, from creative menu innovation to stronger digital engagement and smart growth strategies,” Lunde said in a statement. “Together, we’ll ensure TOGO’S continues to stand out as a brand that delivers quality, value, and memorable experiences.”
