Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse, a fast-casual restaurant franchiser based in Salt Lake City, has named Brandon Howard president of the company. He was previously chief operating officer after joining the company as director of franchise operations in 2018.

“During his time at Wingers, Howard has implemented the Helix Management model at all ranks of the organization and cultivated an elite leadership team that has helped him take the brand to the next level,” a company release said. “In addition, Howard has developed structured layers within operations to provide defined growth opportunities for hourly and salary employees. He also helped streamline the Wingers menu while enhancing its quality, image and execution, and advanced the brand’s overall digital capabilities.”

“Brandon came to Wingers with an extensive track record of success and since he’s been with us, he’s continued to prove that he has what it takes to progress a best-in-class brand,” said founder and CEO Eric Slaymaker. “To say he’s deserving of this promotion would be an understatement. His talent and dedication have made an incredible impact on our company, and as president, we feel confident that he will continue to take Wingers to new heights.”

Slaymaker said that as president, Howard is responsible for the long-term vision and growth of the brand. Starting with building relationships with multi-concept franchise owners in the Midwest, as well as North and Central Texas, Howard’s primary goal is to add another 20 Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse locations over the next five to six years.

“I’m very honored and excited to take on this new role and to lead the brand in its expansion efforts,” Howard said. “Over the past three and half years at Wingers, I’ve worked diligently with our executive team to strategically elevate this brand. With incredible leaders by my side, I look forward to fueling aggressive franchise growth and making Wingers a well-established brand throughout new regions.”

Founded in 1993, Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse has a menu of “chef-driven, handcrafted food,” including wings and signature “sticky” fingers, burgers, salads, tacos, craft beers and drinks. The brand has 23 company and franchise locations in the Intermountain West with more in the pipeline to open in the Midwest.