Hangry Joe's names Brandon Wilhelm CEO
Hangry Joe's appointed Brandon Wilhelm chief executive officer effective immediately as the hot chicken franchise prepares to open 20 new locations. The move puts a longtime franchise operator in charge of growth, franchisee support and brand investment as the chain pushes beyond 90 locations.
Why it matters: - Hangry Joe's is entering a growth phase that depends on stronger franchisee economics, more marketing support and tighter operations. - The company says it is preparing to open 20 new locations, making leadership stability and execution central to the next stage of expansion.
What happened: - Hangry Joe's named Brandon Wilhelm chief executive officer, effective immediately. - Wilhelm will lead the hot chicken franchise's next phase of growth and brand investment. - The appointment was announced Oct. 6, 2026, from McLean, Virginia.
The details: - Hangry Joe's has more than 90 locations. - Wilhelm brings more than 20 years of franchise development experience. - He spent nearly two decades developing Subway franchise territory across the Midwest as a development agent. - He later oversaw operations strategy for more than 500 quick-service restaurant locations. - Wilhelm mentored more than 140 franchisees. - He joined Hangry Joe's as a multi-unit franchisee and president of Hangry Development Texas. - He serves on Hangry Joe's Franchising Board of Directors. - He most recently served as the company's acting chief marketing officer. - Wilhelm holds a BBA from Baylor University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. - His stated top priority as CEO is franchisee profitability, including lower costs, higher sales and better bottom lines. - Hangry Joe's said its focus under Wilhelm will center on four priorities: franchisee profitability, marketing and advertising investment, operational efficiency and disciplined restaurant development. - The brand said it will pair the right franchise owner with the right location as it develops new restaurants. - Mike Kim, co-founder of Hangry Joe's Franchising, said Wilhelm has been a trusted partner and the right leader for the company's next chapter.
Between the lines: - The appointment elevates a leader who already knows the system from the inside, including as an operator, board member and interim marketing executive. - The emphasis on unit economics suggests Hangry Joe's wants to strengthen existing stores before or alongside broader expansion. - A heavier marketing push signals the company is trying to turn growth into sustained brand awareness, not just new unit count.
What's next: - Hangry Joe's will move ahead with its plan to open 20 new locations. - Wilhelm's early test will be whether the brand can improve franchisee performance while scaling. - The company will also continue expanding across North America and in international markets, including the UAE.
The bottom line: - Hangry Joe's picked an operator with deep franchise experience to manage a growth push that depends on both expansion and stronger store-level results.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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