In his new position, Padulo will design and implement an accelerated growth strategy for both chains, primarily through franchising. He will initially focus on updating the criteria for D’Angelo franchisee candidates and on developing and directing the franchise sales team charged with identifying and attracting interested investors who meet those qualifications. The D’Angelo franchise system currently includes 49 restaurants, with agreements in place for another 48 locations. D’Angelo also operates 158 company-owned locations in standalone format, food courts and travel centers as well as in “dual” settings shared with Papa Gino’s. The company’s current plans are to open 110 additional D’Angelo locations by 2010.

Padulo brings more than 25 years of real estate development and franchising experience to D’Angelo/Papa Gino’s. Most recently, he spent two years with BP Oil, based in La Palma, Calif., as Director of Franchise Development. In this newly created position, he was responsible for developing a comprehensive franchise revitalization strategy and platform for the Arco/ampm gas station/convenience store offering.

Prior to joining BP, Padulo spent 22 years working with Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants (now Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.), parent of Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo’s. For nearly 10 of those years he was Vice President of New Business Development, International, and was responsible for launching the brands in over 30 new countries. He spent his final three years at the company as Vice President of New Business Development and Franchise Services, guiding franchising activities for all three brands and overseeing development of non-traditional units inside chains such as Stop & Shop and The Home Depot.

Padulo also holds Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation from the International Franchise Association and a mini-MBA degree in franchise development from Nova Southeastern University, in addition to a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Loyola College in Montreal.

“Tony Padulo has unparalleled leadership background and experience in franchise development,” says Galligan. “His perspective and expertise will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to aggressively develop existing and new franchise markets for both of our chains.”

In Line With A Broader Strategy

Bringing an executive of Padulo’s caliber on-board is the latest in a series of strategic moves Papa Gino’s Inc. has witnessed this year to strengthen its position as both a restaurant operator and franchisor. Earlier this year, the company unveiled a completely revised retail format designed to position the chain among more upscale fast-casual sandwich café concepts and increase sales by attracting more dine-in and dinner guests. In line with that strategy, the company also changed the D’Angelo chain’s name to D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, reflecting the central point of distinction between the chain and other major quick-service sandwich concepts. The first stores to feature the new format opened in February and March and a total of 20 should be open by February 2006.

Also earlier this year, the company signed a three-year promotional agreement with Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz and began incorporating him into its efforts to enhance awareness of the brand and capitalize on its New England roots. To date, Ortiz has appeared in in-store merchandising and a consumer sweepstakes with a grand prize that includes a chance to meet the sports star in person and receive four tickets to a Red Sox home game.

In addition, the company’s efforts to enhance and grow its businesses were bolstered by its acquisition by private-equity firm Bunker Hill Capital, L.P. in March.

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