ATLANTA – Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen announced on March 2 that it has selected Steven Fricker as senior vice president of development. 

Steven Fricker, senior vice president of development

Fricker is an industry expert with more than 35 years of experience as a senior corporate executive and a former franchisee with several national restaurant brands.

Fricker’s responsibilities include new unit development, franchise sale and development, architecture and design and new construction and restraint opening processes. He is also responsible for seeking and overseeing new franchise and company opportunities in strategic markets.

“Steve’s specialized expertise growing his own organization, as well as corporate organizations he has worked with, will serve Popeyes existing franchisees well as they expand their organizations and will benefit new franchisees as they come into the Popeyes family,” said John Merkin, chief operating officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. “Popeyes is a beloved brand that continues to be a definitive leader in the chicken QSR space, an ambassador of Louisiana cooking to the world. We have said before that we have bold goals for development, and we are pleased to bring Steve to Popeyes to help us execute those plans.”

Some of the companies Fricker has developed include Panera, Outback Steakhouse, Corner Bakery and IHOP as head of a franchise organization.

“I am pleased to have joined Popeyes, a highly respected, disciplined and successful organization with an industry leading management team,” Fricker said. “Popeyes is known for its servant leadership culture which has allowed it to deliver superior results. I look forward to advancing the company’s development plans and contributing to its stellar reputation.”