On January 29, Johnny Garlic’s and Tex Wasabi’s named Bruce Marano president of Restaurant Operations for the Santa Clara County, Sonoma County, and Contra Costa County restaurants.

In September 2013, Marano joined the Johnny Garlic’s and Tex Wasabi’s team as the vice president of Operations. As president of Restaurant Operations, he will oversee operations of each location including the day-to-day management, hiring, training, and maintaining consistency in menu execution and brand representation from restaurant to restaurant.

Marano has worked in the restaurant business for more than 35 years after taking his first job at the age of 14. His family owned Marano Enterprises of California, which operated Pizza Huts throughout the Central Valley, and opened the first franchised Applebee’s Grill & Bar in 1991.

Growing up in the business cultivated a love for the industry. Marano owned and operated two restaurants in Kansas and Oklahoma. He has worked as the vice president of Restaurant Operations for a company operating franchises throughout California, included Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery. Before joining the Johnny Garlic’s and Tex Wasabi’s team, Marano acted as the president of Restaurant Operations for Parco Holdings, LP, overseeing the operations of TGI Fridays and Hooters restaurants in California and Hawaii.

“It’s exciting to be a part of something that’s growing, and be a part of the Guy Fieri Signature Restaurant Brand,” says Bruce Marano. “It definitely brings a uniqueness that you just can’t find with other restaurant concepts.”