An Unmatched Franchise Team

Non-Executive Chairman and Principal - John F. Ripley

Mr. Ripley is an experienced entrepreneur who has founded a number of businesses, taken three public, and been Chairman or CEO for several national or international companies. He serves as the Company's non-executive Chairman. In 1999 he co-founded Sequel Youth and Family Services, a national leader in the adolescent behavioral health industry for which he continues to serve as Chairman. He previously was a co-founder of Youth Services International, another company in the adolescent behavioral health industry which was sold to a strategic industry buyer. Mr. Ripley also has considerable experience in the franchise industry, including serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for Precision Auto Care from 1995 – 1998 and as Corporate Controller and then as Vice President of Operations with Jiffy Lube International, Inc. from 1985 - 1990. Mr. Ripley started his career with the accounting firm Ernst & Young from 1979 to 1985.

 

Vice President Corporate Operations, Founder and Vice Chairman - Mark H. Bucher

Mr. Bucher is the originator of the BGR concept, and has significant experience in franchising and the restaurant industry. Mr. Bucher started his career in Commercial Real Estate, working with National Restaurant Chains with their site selection, construction and maintenance. Mr. Bucher was Mid-Atlantic Vice President of Real Estate for Allied Domecq USA, operator of Dunkin Donuts franchises.  After this period Mr. Bucher was brought in to handle real estate for a very fast growing bagel franchisor. He ultimately became COO of American Bagel Company the parent of Chesapeake Bagel Bakery and was part of the team that grew that chain from 20 to 340 stores in 3 years, and then successfully sold the chain to AFC Enterprises.  Mr. Bucher also serves as our Executive Chef, most recently winning Grand Champion at the 2009 Summit Food & Wine Festival in New York, beating some of the best chefs in New York City and the Country for this coveted prize.

Chief Executive Officer - Edward Kelley

Edward Kelley serves as the company's Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all aspects of the business, including its Franchise Program. Mr. Kelley brings over twenty five years of franchising and entrepreneurial experience to the Company. Mr. Kelley was one of the original two persons in Jiffy Lube International, one of the largest automotive service companies in the world, holding several senior positions including its Board member, Chief Operating Officer, President of North American Development and Chief Financial Officer; and played a key role in growing the Company to 1100 centers operating in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia - generating over $400 million in revenues before its sale to Pennzoil Company. Mr. Kelley was Chairman and Founder of DigitalSports, Inc., an online and local event media company dedicated to providing local sports media across the United States.

 

Vice President Franchise Operations, Co-Founder - Nate Ripley

Mr. Ripley is a Co-Founder of the Company and helped develop the Burger Joint concept, including product flow, interior/exterior environment, operating procedures and branding. In addition to hands-on experience in the business running Burger Joint restaurants, Mr. Ripley has been involved in all aspects of opening each location, including site development, construction, training and pre-opening management. Under Mr. Ripley's leadership, the Company has established supplier accounts with best-in-class companies, resulting in first class product quality. Mr. Ripley was Program Manager and Director of Sales for DigitalSports, Inc., an online new-media company focused on local sports.

 

Vice President of Franchise Development - Charles Bass

Charles Bass is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Company's Franchise Development Program. Mr. Bass has nearly thirty years experience in U.S. and International sales and sales management. Prior to joining the Company in May 2009, Mr. Bass was Director, Compass Properties International, an international real estate company located in Morocco, North Africa, and was responsible for finance, marketing, direct sales and agency sales. As President and Principal of CW Bass and Associates from 1991 to 2006, Mr. Bass was responsible for the management of a manufacturer's representative firm's marketing and sales in the mid-Atlantic area. Mr. Bass has hands-on sales experience, serving as a sales representative for Faion Lott & Company.