FAT Brands Announces Appointment of Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-CEO
Rhea-AI Summary
FAT Brands announces significant leadership changes as Taylor Wiederhorn steps into the role of Co-Chief Executive Officer, while Rob Rosen transitions to a consulting position focused on debt/capital markets. Wiederhorn, who previously served as Chief Development Officer for eight years and brand CEO for 15 concepts in 2023, will work alongside continuing Co-CEO and CFO Ken Kuick.
The company, which operates 18 restaurant brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, and Johnny Rockets, maintains a strong presence in the global franchising sector with over 2,300 units worldwide. Wiederhorn brings extensive experience in franchise development, having overseen the sale of thousands of new franchise locations across the brand portfolio.
This leadership transition follows several strategic milestones, including Rosen's four-year tenure marked by multiple acquisitions, his 2023 appointment as Co-CEO, and the recent IPO of Twin Hospitality Group.
Positive
- Proven track record: Taylor Wiederhorn has overseen thousands of new franchise location sales as Chief Development Officer
- Large franchise portfolio: Company owns 18 restaurant brands with over 2,300 units worldwide
- Strategic growth: Recent successful IPO of Twin Hospitality Group
- Leadership continuity: Ken Kuick remains as Co-CEO and CFO, maintaining financial oversight
Negative
- Executive restructuring could create temporary organizational uncertainty
- Loss of Rob Rosen's direct leadership as Co-CEO, transitioning to limited consulting role
- High debt focus: Need for dedicated debt/capital markets consulting indicates significant debt management requirements
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, FAT gained 1.49%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Rob Rosen Transitions to Consulting Role at Global Restaurant Franchising Company
LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces the appointment of Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-Chief Executive Officer. Effective today, April 29, Rob Rosen will transition from his role as Co-CEO to a consulting position focused on debt/capital markets for the company. Ken Kuick will continue to serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
“For the last eight years, I have served as Chief Development Officer, overseeing the sale of thousands of new franchise locations across our portfolio of brands. Most recently, in 2023, I assumed the role of brand CEO for 15 of our concepts,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “Stepping into the Co-CEO role will be a seamless transition as I am confident that my unique background and growth perspective will complement the financial acumen of Co-CEO, Ken Kuick.”
“It has been an incredible four years at FAT Brands—filled with numerous strategic acquisitions, assuming the role of Co-CEO in 2023, and most recently, the IPO of Twin Hospitality Group,” said Rob Rosen, Co-CEO of FAT Brands. “I look forward to continuing to help drive the company forward, maintaining a consulting role focused on debt/capital markets.”
For more information on FAT Brands, visit www.fatbrands.com.
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About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509
FAQ
Who is Taylor Wiederhorn replacing as Co-CEO at FAT Brands (FAT)?
What experience does Taylor Wiederhorn bring to the Co-CEO position at FAT Brands?
How many restaurant brands does FAT Brands currently own in 2025?
What major achievements did Rob Rosen accomplish during his tenure at FAT Brands?
What is the current leadership structure at FAT Brands after the April 2025 changes?
