Restaurant Veteran Troy Cooper Named President of Food Friends and Company

"Food Friends and Company is fortunate to have partnered with Troy Cooper," Jack Baum, said. "His experience, management style and get-it-done attitude will no doubt enhance the experience of our guests, employees and partners."

During his tenure with Rockfish Seafood Grill, Cooper successfully led the positive turnaround and subsequent sale of the company.

"I am looking forward to working with this dynamic restaurant group," Cooper said. "The concepts are exciting, and I look forward to supporting this talented management team."

Cooper began his restaurant career with Steak & Ale Restaurant Corp. From his starting position as a server at Bennigans, the next 10 years would see Cooper ascend to regional vice president.

Cooper then joined Boston Market's BCE West LP franchise group as chief operating officer, where he eventually developed and operated 125 Boston Market units in four states. He advanced to president and chief executive officer after the company had expanded to include more than 400 locations and had acquired four additional franchise groups. Cooper was ultimately promoted to president of the western division for the parent company -- Boston Chicken, Inc.

Cooper joins an executive team comprised of Jack Baum, chairman and CEO, Wyatt Truscheit, chief financial officer, Mary Russo, concept head for Woodlands American Grill, and Gina Wright, vice president of operations.

Food Friends and Company operates four distinct restaurant brands: Cozymel's Mexican Grill, Woodlands American Grill, Wapango - A Latin Bistro and Mexico Cantina.

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