Uncommon Brands Appointed New Leadership Team Members
The Dallas-based hospitality group added former executives to its team to scale fast-casual and quick-service restaurant concepts.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
Uncommon Brands announced a series of leadership changes including the addition of two former &pizza executives to its executive team. The Dallas-based firm also promoted internal finance director Jack Franken to a new vice presidential role.
Why it matters
These appointments are intended to consolidate a team with significant experience in building and scaling strong restaurant businesses. The move aims to strengthen the company as it oversees brand positioning, loyalty strategies, and financial reporting across its portfolio.
The company hired two former executives from &pizza to lead marketing and accounting, bringing with them a combined thirty years of industry experience. Douglas Kwong joins with two decades of marketing background, while Lucious Kimble III adds a decade of hospitality finance expertise.
The players
Douglas Kwong
He joins as the vice president of marketing after previously holding leadership roles at Pei Wei, Cicis Pizza, Urban Air Adventure Parks, and &pizza.
Lucious Kimble III
He has been appointed as the corporate controller following his previous tenure as the corporate controller at &pizza.
Jack Franken
He was promoted to vice president of finance and strategy after previously leading corporate finance and investor relations at Wingstop.
Uncommon Brands
This Dallas-based company focuses on scaling emerging fast-casual and quick-service restaurant concepts.
The details
The new team will focus on scaling emerging fast-casual and quick-service restaurant concepts while maintaining unique operational identities for each brand. Their responsibilities span guest acquisition, accounting, and investor relations as the company manages its portfolio of restaurant investments.
Timeline
Uncommon Brands announced these leadership team changes on October 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows a trend where restaurant groups recruit seasoned executives from established chains to accelerate growth in competitive markets. By securing leadership with experience at brands like Wingstop and &pizza, the firm positions itself to compete more aggressively in the fast-casual sector.
Average customers may notice changes in loyalty programs, brand positioning, or service consistency as the new leadership implements its growth strategies. The focus on scaling operations could lead to broader availability of the company's restaurant concepts across the local market.
The takeaway
Building a high-performing leadership team is a critical step for restaurant groups looking to maintain identity during rapid expansion. Companies often prioritize hiring executives with diverse multi-brand experience to navigate the complexities of quick-service scaling.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit our People section for additional context on recent corporate moves.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fast Casual.
