Wahlburgers – a Boston-area based restaurant company with 37 locations throughout North America, the U.K., and Europe – formally announced that it has hired John Fuller as its new president & CEO after an extensive national search.
Fuller joins Wahlburgers as president and CEO from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, where he contributed to the Los Angeles-based company’s significant international growth. Prior to that role, he held the titles of Chief Financial Officer and then president & CEO of Johnny Rockets, a global hamburger chain with over 350 franchise and corporate owned locations. His previous experience also includes acting as CFO and controller for numerous hospitality and fast casual brands such as Rubio’s, Carl’s Jr., and Del Taco.
“As our company continues to expand here in the US and across the globe, John’s experience and insight into the restaurant business on an international scale will be extremely valuable in ensuring that we set ourselves up for long-term success,” said Mark Wahlberg, co-owner.
“Having watched from afar, and now joining the Wahlburgers team, I look forward to helping take such a well-positioned and popular brand to the next level,” Fuller said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with our operators and support staff and focusing on the company’s overall growth, expansion, and opportunities as our industry begins to resurge and carve the path towards our new normal.”
Patrick Renna, who has served as the brand’s president & CFO since June 2018, will now devote his full attention to his CFO role. He will continue to provide finance and strategic leadership that build on the company’s existing foundation for future success.
“Given his incredible industry experience in a variety of executive roles, John was an ideal choice for the job,” says Chef Paul Wahlberg. “My brothers and I are so grateful to welcome him into the Wahlburgers family and are excited for what lies ahead.”
