Chris Carlton is Leveling Up the JARS Brand

New director of operations

We spent some time getting to know Chris and get his thoughts on the JARS brand.

Chris entered the restaurant industry back in 2007 shortly after college with AREAS in contract management. Becoming a manager that oversaw restaurants in a plaza on the Florida Turnpike for several years, he moved up to overseeing the operations for brands across five different airports. Gaining insight into brands such as Wendy’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Starbucks, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Chik-fil-A and many more, armed him with invaluable operational experience unmatched by most.

His next positions took him to Raising Cane’s and then on to Yum! at Taco Bell increasing his knowledge even more so. Then, utilizing his operational skills, he took these organizations to the next level in their operational functions and training. All of this experience eventually brought him to the JARS by Fabio Viviani concept.

Brand concept and growth

Inspired by his own favorite desserts, Fabio Viviani, the Celebrity Chef of Top Chef reality show fame, took ideas from around the world and designed a concept that allowed these desserts to be beautifully presented in a whole new and unique way: jars. Each of the 100’s of different recipes is built in layers to ensure that every spoonful scooped gets the amazing flavors of the entire creation. Fabio’s experience running a restaurant enterprise at FHV, inspired him to create a simple and effective process to serve these creations freshly and quickly.

The newly franchised brand sold franchises even before the flagship store in the Chicago West Loop was opened in February. Chris was brought on to the team earlier in 2023 as Director of Operations.

Building off what was already in place operationally at JARS, Chris has created even more efficiencies that will ultimately positively enhance the bottom line and, of course, the franchisees. Switching to an integrated ordering, loyalty, POS system, Chris is working to bring on a new platform that will alleviate multiple costly systems that don’t always work well together.

JARS by Fabio Viviani scored an unparalleled leader by bringing Chris into their concept. He knows that he’s at the ground floor of a brand that will be known around the world for its unique and easily operated concept.