Barbecue restaurant Sonny's BBQ is adding Matt Zeiger to its team as chief financial and development officer. In this key leadership role, Zeiger will oversee finance and development to support Sonny's growth plan.

"Matt brings an impressive 25 years of exceptional financial and operational leadership, having worked with some of the most respected restaurant franchise brands in the industry," said George McAllan, chief growth officer at Sonny's BBQ. "His depth of expertise will help guide Sonny's BBQ as we enter a growth phase for the company and continue to expand our footprint in a smart and strategic manner."

With experience leading financial and operational strategy for multiconcept restaurant franchise groups, Zeiger has a proven track record of driving growth, improving performance and navigating complex business transformations. He spent a significant portion of his career at Yum Brands in key leadership roles, including CFO of Pizza Hut Korea, where he successfully led a major turnaround and oversaw the refranchising of more than 100 restaurants. Most recently, Zeiger served as both CEO and CFO of Quality Restaurant Group, a 340-unit, multibrand franchise organization operating across 15 states, where he delivered EBITDA growth and led systemwide operational enhancements.

"I'm honored to be a part of the Sonny's BBQ team at such a pivotal point in the brand's franchising journey," Zeiger said. "Sonny's has a rich legacy, a strong culture and a passionate team - everything you want in a growth-focused brand. I'm looking forward to helping build on that foundation as we expand into new markets and continue delivering delicious BBQ and an exceptional guest experience."

As Sonny's BBQ moves to position itself for long-term growth, the brand is strengthening its corporate operations team with the addition of key director roles. Alongside Zeiger, Sonny's is welcoming Debbie Pirone as director of training and operations support, and Eric High as director of franchise relations. The two seasoned professionals bring decades of industry experience to the table.

Pirone has over 25 years of food and hospitality experience, including 20 years at Domino's Pizza, where she led operations, training and franchise development. In her role at Sonny's BBQ, she will focus on enhancing employee performance and implementing consistent, brand-aligned training programs that support the development of both corporate and franchise teams.

High also joins Sonny's with more than two decades of experience supporting franchisees and driving operational excellence. As director of franchise relations, he will serve as a strategic partner to franchise operators, helping to align growth initiatives and enhance overall satisfaction. Prior to joining Sonny's, High served as director of franchise operations at Inspire Brands, overseeing more than 650 Dunkin' franchised restaurants across the South Central US.

"Debbie and Eric bring exceptional experience and leadership to the Sonny's BBQ team," said McAllan. "Each has a proven track record of supporting teams and driving operational success in high-growth franchise environments. As we continue to invest in our people and build for the future, their expertise will be key in strengthening our systems and elevating the experience for both team members and guests."

Source: Sonny’s BBQ