Zunzi's and Zunzibar Names Kevin Nelson Vice President of Operations
Zunzi’s, the Savannah-based fast casual concept known for its award-winning sandwiches, is proud to announce the addition of fast food veteran Kevin Nelson to its roster as vice president of operations. Nelson brings more than 30 years of operational experience with such top-tier brands as Five Guys, Krispy Kreme and Arby’s as Zunzi’s and its beach-themed bar concept, Zunzibar, gear up to expand into select markets throughout the Southeast.
“Kevin and I were both in the Five Guys system when I was a franchisee,” says Zunzi’s + Zunzibar owner Chris Smith. “I always knew he’d be the right guy at the right time to oversee operations when we wanted to ascend to the next level. I’m really excited to have a very disciplined restaurant operator at the helm of operations as we prepare for exponential growth.”
“What I love most about Zunzi’s + Zunzibar is that we have assembled a dynamic team that has fun working together and is eager to take on new challenges in a very entrepreneurial environment,” says Nelson. “Both concepts are fun, festive, energetic environments—they really have that passion for developing future leaders and giving them the opportunity to grow and building a great company together” he says. “And with the food, the unique, award-winning sandwiches, that’s something entirely different from what you see anywhere else.”
Nelson, a native of Kenosha, Wis., most recently served as vice president of operations for Cambridge Franchise Holdings, which operated more than 200 Burger King and Popeyes restaurants. Before that, he spent more than 12 years with Monument Restaurants, opening 95 Five Guys restaurants across seven states and 10 Krispy Kreme shops in the Washington, D.C. area.
“I don’t like this business,” he says. “I absolutely love it.” And he’s just as enthusiastic about the prospects for Zunzi’s + Zunzibar.
“I’m excited about building out our strategies and getting all our operational models ready for scale as we continue to develop with our team and our franchisees. It’s exciting to watch this thing grow and to see the energy of everyone behind the scenes. Everyone really believes in both the product and the company culture of giving back to the communities we serve. We’re here to make money, have fun and make a difference in people’s lives.”