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Five Execs Replaced,' One More to Hire; Growth by Franchising
There's a whole new management team at growth-minded Johnny Rockets Group Inc.
Mike Shumpsky became the Irvine-based company's CEO and chairman in May, replacing Glenn Hemmerle at the helm of the privately held chain of 1950s-style diners. Hemmerle's departure was followed by several others as Shumpsky cleaned house and brought in a new group of executives who, he says, like himself have extensive restaurant experience.
Hemmerle, who spent two years at the restaurant group, had previously been CEO of Dallas-based Pearle Visioncare.
Johnny Rockets has about 2,600 employees. Systemwide sales projected for fiscal 2000 are $130 million, up from about $75 million for the previous fiscal year ended April 30, 1999, Shumpsky said.
Rubio's Restaurant Inc. CEO Ralph Rubio said he believes the hiring away last March of his company's CFO, Jim Stryker, will be a boost for Johnny Rockets.
"Some of the marketing concepts that we implemented, Jim Stryker can take those things and apply to Johnny Rockets," he said.
Rubio said he thinks Johnny Rockets is on the right track with its new managers who have restaurant-industry backgrounds: "I think that some executives can make the crossover, but restaurants are so unique and the fundamentals are very different. They need to know the language and if you don't have the discipline and the knowledge it's hard to be effective."
"Me...