Michael Keller has been named as the new CEO and president of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, the company stated. As it gets ready for its next stage of growth, the company, which recently celebrated the opening of its 116th site, has also hired its first Director of Research & Development, designated a new Director of Supply Chain, and elevated an existing leader to Senior Director of Franchise Operations.
“Jeremiah’s has grown at an incredible pace,” said Jeremy Litwack, founder of Jeremiah’s. “After 27 years and more than 100 locations opening and operating, I feel that now is the time to pivot my focus, opening the door for new leadership with the skillset and background necessary to take our brand to the next level.”
While Keller will be in charge of advancing the brand, company, and franchise structure, Litwack will still be actively involved in the business as a brand ambassador. As the CEO/President of Pearson Candy Company, Chief Marketing Officer of International Dairy Queen, VP of Marketing for Jamba Juice, and SVP of Marketing for Baskin Robbins USA, among other leadership positions, Keller brings to Jeremiah’s a wide range of experience.
Erin Buono, who previously led breakthrough innovation and product design for Sonic Drive-In and Virtual Dining Concepts, joins Jeremiah’s Italian Ice as its first-ever Director of Research and Development, bolstering the strength of its leadership team. Additionally, Julianna Voyles, formerly the Operations Director at Jeremiah’s, has been promoted to Senior Director of Franchise Operations, replacing Adam Hing, formerly of Ruth’s Chris, Bloomin’ Brands, Darden Restaurants, and other chains.
“With a record number of stores opened in 2022, and even more in store for 2023, I am confident that Jeremiah’s growth will continue, and we are proactively positioning the brand and building the necessary infrastructure to support both our current and future franchisees,” said Keller. “I’m honored to step into the role of CEO/President, and work with Jeremy and the new management team to continue the momentum and success the brand has seen within these last few years.”
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice was founded in 1996 and has been franchising since 2019. With over 100 locations throughout Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Colorado, Nevada, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas, Jeremiah’s is offering franchises across the Southern United States.
Find out more at: https://jeremiahsice.com/