8.6.2007
Greg Buchanan Joins Buffet Partners as CEO
PLANO, TX – August 6, 2007 – Buffet Partners Holding Company (BPHC), owner and operator of the Furr’s Fresh Buffet chain, announces the addition of Greg Buchanan to its management team. Joining the company as Chief Executive Officer, Buchanan brings to the organization over 18 years of leadership in the restaurant industry.
Most recently, Buchanan served as President of Dallas-based La Madeleine Bakery Café and Bistro, where he repositioned the company for increased profitability and new unit growth during the last five years. Prior to that, he held the post of Senior Vice President of Development at Darden Restaurants. Buchanan was also a key player in the growth of Carlson’s TGI Friday’s chain during his 11-year tenure, holding the senior management positions of Senior Vice President of Business Development and Chief Financial Officer.
“I am truly excited about joining the Buffet Partners family,” says Buchanan. “I believe the Furr’s Fresh Buffet concept has tremendous growth potential. I am looking forward to joining this leadership team to position the Furr’s brand as a leader in our segment.”
Buchanan’s expertise in new store development will be especially valuable to BPHC as the company prepares for the rapid expansion of its Furr’s Fresh Buffets. “Greg’s development and financial prowess round-out the collective expertise of the management team,” notes Ray Hemmig, chairman of the board of Buffet Partners. “As we move forward with plans to grow Furr’s Fresh Buffet, his strategic, financial experience and site development expertise will ensure that BPHC is able to quickly secure the most attractive locations.”
Buchanan joins BPHC’s team of tenured industry veterans. Hemmig’s resume includes leadership and investment roles with industry notables such as On the Border, Texas Land & Cattle Company and Grandy’s. President Steve Barnhill brings to the table over 30 years of operations experience in the buffet segment, including development of the Barnhill’s Buffet chain in the Southeast U.S. Mike Blasdell, a 35-year team member, is the President of the entity’s wholly owned Dynamic Foods operation.
BPHC’s vertical integration enhances its growth potential. Dynamic Foods, the company’s Lubbock, Texas-based food production and distribution facility, enables the Furr’s chain to quickly take advantage of seasonal purchasing opportunities while keeping an eye on food trends. “Dynamic Foods is a tremendous asset to our business,” adds Buchanan. “The purchasing power, product development and quality assurance offered by Dynamic Foods allows us to provide our guests with consistent quality at a high-value price point.”
Buffet Partners operates 54 restaurants under the Furr’s Family Dining and Furr’s Fresh Buffet brands. In operation since 1946, Furr’s serves guests in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.
