Ascent Hospitality Management Welcomes New COO
Ascent Hospitality Management, the franchisor for well-known family dining brands such as Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has recently appointed Blain Shortreed as its new Chief Operating Officer. In this pivotal role, Shortreed will be responsible for the operations of both brands, driving efforts in strategic growth, operational excellence, and the success of franchisees.
Blain Shortreed's Extensive Experience
Shortreed comes to Ascent with a wealth of experience in the restaurant sector, having held numerous key executive positions within both franchisee and franchisor organizations. Before his arrival at Huddle House, he was the CEO of Long John Silver's, where he successfully revitalized the brand by enhancing product quality and streamlining operations. His leadership was marked by improved profitability and a remodel program that effectively modernized the brand across the country.
Building on a Strong Foundation
According to James O'Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Ascent Hospitality Management, "Blain’s proven track record in franchise operations positions him as an essential asset for Ascent as we move forward with both Huddle House and Perkins. His expertise is crucial in optimizing performance and fostering franchisee relationships, which will be vital for achieving our long-term objectives." Since joining Huddle House, Shortreed has reorganized and improved the leadership team, fostering momentum in an increasingly challenging market.
Innovating for the Future
Under Shortreed’s leadership, the brand has embraced an "Innovate / Elevate / Communicate" approach, aiming for Huddle House to achieve an average unit volume of $1 million and expand to 500 locations within five years. His insights will also enhance Perkins, which is undergoing notable transformations including a new brand identity and a modernized restaurant design along with a fresh concept called Griddle and Go.
A Commitment to Guest Experience
Shortreed is enthusiastic about his new responsibilities. He stated, "With two incredible brands and dedicated franchise partners, I am thrilled to embrace this expanded role and continue the strong foundation built at Huddle House and Perkins. The teams at these brands are passionate about innovation and excellence, and I am eager to collaborate with them to accelerate growth and enhance our reach in the family dining market."
Learn More About Franchising Opportunities
Ascent Hospitality Management encourages interested individuals to explore franchising options for both Perkins and Huddle House. For more information, potential partners can visit www.ascenthm.com/franchising.
About Ascent Hospitality Management
Ascent Hospitality Management is the parent company of Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co. Its mission is centered on acquiring and revitalizing historic dining brands to foster long-term growth. With nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Ascent is dedicated to bringing friends and families together over delicious meals served from the heart. Both Huddle House and Perkins boast over 60 years of proudly serving made-to-order meals alongside first-class customer service. For further details and franchise opportunities, visit ascenthm.com.
Contact Information
If you wish to learn more, please reach out to Morgan Gordon at Fish 919. You can contact them at 954-893-9150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Blain Shortreed?
Blain Shortreed is the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of Ascent Hospitality Management, overseeing operations at Huddle House and Perkins.
What experience does Blain Shortreed bring?
Shortreed has extensive leadership experience in the restaurant industry, having held executive roles with franchises and leading companies like Long John Silver's.
What is Ascent Hospitality Management?
Ascent Hospitality Management is the parent company of Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., focusing on revitalizing family dining brands and driving growth.
How does Blain Shortreed plan to enhance Huddle House?
Under Shortreed, Huddle House aims to achieve significant milestones, including $1 million AUV and expansion to 500 locations through innovative strategies.
How can one learn more about franchise opportunities?
Interested individuals can find franchise opportunities by visiting Ascent Hospitality Management's website at www.ascenthm.com/franchising.
