• by Teresa Buyikian , January 17, 2025

The executive shuffle continues this week at several sweet and savory national QSRs, all part of the Atlanta-based Goto Foods.

Goto Foods, which owns the Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s brands, has announced the promotion of several senior executives.

Shelley Harris has been promoted to executive vice president and COO for Goto Foods. In her new role, Harris is charged with leading operations and brand management, including all domestic brands under the Goto Foods umbrella. Harris most recently worked as president of the restaurant category at the company, where she led strategic growth and business planning for the McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s brands, among others. She also served as vice president of operations for both McAlister’s Deli and Cinnabon, and earlier in her career spent time at Burger King.

Mike Freeman is now president of brands for Goto Foods, where he oversees strategy, financial performance, operations and marketing for McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s, Auntie Anne’s, Jamba and all company-owned stores. Freeman was promoted from his position as chief brand officer for McAlister’s Deli.

Promoted to senior vice president, brands and chief brand officer for Cinnabon, is Urvi Patel, who is charged with driving brand growth, innovation and profitability for Cinnabon brand as well as overseeing the Carvel brand. Previously Urvi served as the senior vice president of customer experience and engagement for GoTo Foods.

McAlister’s Deli’s new chief brand officer is Danielle Parra, who previously served as senior vice president, marketing, for Goto Foods, where she headed marketing strategy and execution, paid media, culinary, creative and catering across all brands. In the new position Parra will be responsible for driving brand growth, innovation, profitability and operations for McAlister’s Deli.

Bobby Morena has been moved up to chief development officer for Goto Foods as well. Morena formerly served as the senior vice president of franchise development.

Goto Foods, which was formerly known as Focus Brands until last year, has more than 6,800 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes, and bakeries in all 50 states and in more than 65 countries and territories.