Industry Vet Moves Up to Brand President of Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

Bob Andersen now serves as Brand President of the Florida-based The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. Andersen most recently held the position of Executive Vice President of the United Franchise Group (UFG) food division including The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill and Jon Smith Subs.

With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in franchising, new unit development and restaurant operations, Andersen is highly regarded as a restaurant industry leader. Andersen has a successful track record in growing emerging restaurant brands and leading teams in the quick service, fast causal, and full-service restaurant industries.

UFG began franchising The Great Greek in 2018 after partnering with co-founders Nick A. Della Penna and Trent Jones. 

Since 2011, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has operated with the vision of serving delicious chef inspired Mediterranean flavor and hospitality in a plentiful way that offers the best value of fast casual restaurant experience.

“As we continue to secure multi-unit franchise development agreements and prepare to open multiple Great Greek locations across the nation and internationally, it is the right time to bring in Bob Andersen,” said Della Penna. “... Bob’s diverse perspective, extensive operations experience, and passion for delivering best-in-class brand experience makes him an important part of the brand’s future.”

Currently, The Great Greek has 141 franchise locations either open or in development both domestically and internationally, with Houston, Dallas, Phoenix and Charlotte, being key markets for the brand while other areas of interest include Atlanta, South Florida, Nashville, and Columbus.

Prior to United Franchise Group, Andersen served as the CEO of Jimboy’s Tacos, where he led the team in a reorganization, rebranding and relaunch of the brands franchise program. His team achieved unprecedented results by enhancing the brand’s customer experience, year over year store sales and systemwide sales growth. Andersen was a multi-unit owner and operator of the Cowboy Chicken Restaurant brand. He also served as President for the Dallas-based franchiser, Mooyah Burgers & Fries as well as Managing Director of Franchise Development at Boston Pizza Restaurants.