Dive Brief:
- Wagamama, a casual, pan-Asian chain based in the U.K., has hired Suk Singh as chief development officer for Wagamama USA, the company wrote in an email to Restaurant Dive.
- Singh has over 25 years of restaurant industry experience and has worked at Bloomin’ Brands, Darden and Burger King, according to his LinkedIn profile.
- He will be responsible for expanding the chain in the U.S., overseeing operations and growth and engaging with partners, the company said.
Dive Insight:
The 200-unit restaurant chain took control of its U.S. operations last year after parent company The Restaurant Group bought back a majority stake. The chain previously operated its U.S. restaurants through a joint agreement with Conversion Venture Capital, which owned 80% of the U.S. division, according to Restaurant Business. That partnership helped Wagamama expand in the U.S. over the past five years. The chain originally entered the U.S. in 2007, but had trouble expanding beyond New York and Boston, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
Singh’s expertise includes real estate, asset management, revenue diversification, franchising and concept support, the company wrote in an email. His past positions include president of Aussie Grill and international officer as well as executive vice president of global, chief development, franchising and international officer at Bloomin’. He also served as senior vice president of development and chief development officer at Darden.
At Bloomin’ and Darden, Singh oversaw new concept development and global growth of brands including Aussie Grills, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster.
“He led multi-unit development strategies, formed key partnerships with top developers and retailers and delivered successful new concepts to markets across North America and abroad — skills he will utilize to accelerate Wagamama USA’s expansion,” the company said in an email.
The chain also hired Stephen Judge in early June as CEO of Wagamama U.S., succeeding Richard Flaherty, who oversaw the U.S. division for five years. Judge most recently worked as COO at Gibson Restaurant Group and has also worked at Hard Rock International, Bonefish Grill and Seasons 52, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
Judge is also responsible for growing the brand in the U.S., where it has locations in New York, Boston, Virginia and Florida.
Wagamama operates somewhat differently in the U.S. from its other markets, and offers bars, high-top seating and happy hours. Restaurants tend to be smaller in size and have a shorter menu than its U.K. restaurants, according to Restaurant Business.
