RAVE Restaurant Group hires two franchise execs to fuel development

RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza with over 230 domestic and international locations across its portfolio, has announced the hiring of two new leaders within the organization.

Darren Webb is now the director of franchise development for RAVE, while Dion Firooznia is a franchise business consultant for Pizza Inn. Collectively, the pair bring more than 40 years of industry experience to RAVE.

“The addition of these positions is an investment in the future of RAVE, and I’m excited to add dedicated resources for our franchisees,” said RAVE COO, Mike Burns. “Darren and Dion will help continue the momentum that we’ve built and will really focus on driving development in the Carolinas, which is a key area of expansion for Pizza Inn and where both individuals are based. Darren and Dion have impressive backgrounds in developing well-known brands and a history of working together previously, so we are thrilled to have them join the RAVE team.”

Prior to joining RAVE, Webb worked for nearly 15 years for Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc., Sam’s Xpress Car Wash, LLC., and Take 5 Oil. In his new role, he will be responsible for the national expansion of Pizza Inn and Pie Five, and will leverage his expertise to offer real estate and construction support.

Firooznia, meanwhile, brings 26 years of industry experience to RAVE, having previously worked at Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc., where he served as regional vice president before becoming an operating partner for 14 Qdoba Mexican Eats Restaurants in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. As franchise business consultant for Pizza Inn, Firooznia will work with franchise owners to execute and improve company initiatives at the local level, creating more consistency in the guest experience for the brand.

“Darren has a great network in the Southeast, specifically in the Carolinas,” said RAVE CEO, Brandon Solano. “Dion is a skilled communicator, a best-in-class operator, and an expert at building relationships. Those skills will serve him well with franchisees. We believe Pizza Inn has huge potential to thrive in the North Carolina market, and these two men will be key for RAVE to develop a stronger presence in this area of the country.”