Improved operations, great synergy and sustained growth will add to one of South’s best known brands
ATLANTA, Ga. – President and CEO Douglas R. Pendergast announced that Gary Clough has been named Chief Operating Officer of The Krystal Company. Clough joins one of the South’s best known brands after serving as Senior Vice President of Operations for the South Region with Arby’s. In that position, Clough had oversight of 380 company-owned and 540 franchised restaurants, which made up approximately 1/3 of the Arby’s system. He was responsible for 14 Senior Directors, 51 Area Managers, and 10 Franchise Training Leaders.
Clough has a strong record of success in the QSR (Quick Serve Restaurant) industry. Born into the family restaurant business, Clough moved south for college and later began working from the ground up for a North Carolina-based Domino’s franchisee and ultimately became Director of Operations for 33 units. After leaving Domino’s, Clough became Regional Director of operations for Boston Chicken where he opened 50 units in a five year period.
In 1988, Clough joined RTM and later, was promoted to Vice President of Operations. When the company merged with Arby’s in 2005, Clough was tasked with responsibility for over 700 restaurants in the Midwest, which soon became the top performing region in the company.
As COO, Gary Clough will be responsible for all company store operations.
“It’s an honor for me to join the Krystal team,” said Clough, “This is a very strong brand and the team I’m joining is nothing short of extraordinary. I’m looking forward to working with each of them as we grow the Krystal brand and provide a great experience for present and future Krystal Lovers.”
Pendergast said, “We are excited to welcome Gary Clough to the Krystal family. His extensive success in our industry makes him a perfect fit for the Krystal brand. Like each member of our team, Gary is dedicated to making sure we meet the standards set for us more than 80 years ago by our founders when they opened the first Krystal in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He shares the same philosophies of serving freshly prepared food in a spotless environment by a courteous efficient staff at the best price possible. These are high standards and we’re honored that Gary will be one of our leaders in achieving them.”
Clough, his wife Vicki and their children, Stephen and Lauren will reside in Atlanta.
