Hangry Joe’s has named Brandon Wilhelm its chief executive officer, placing an executive with extensive franchise-development experience at the helm of the fast-growing hot chicken chain as it prepares to open 20 additional locations.
The appointment took effect immediately, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. Wilhelm previously served on the brand’s franchising board and most recently acted as chief marketing officer. His priorities include improving franchisee profitability, expanding the restaurant footprint and strengthening the marketing and operational systems required to support growth.
Wilhelm brings more than 20 years of franchise-development experience to the role. He spent nearly two decades developing Subway franchise territories across the Midwest, eventually overseeing operations strategy for more than 500 locations and mentoring over 140 franchisees.
In 2023, he joined the Hangry Joe’s system as a multi-unit franchisee and president of Hangry Development Texas. His experience therefore combines franchise-system management with the perspective of an operator responsible for running restaurants.
Wilhelm has identified franchisee profitability as his immediate priority, including controlling cost of goods, improving sales and strengthening individual restaurant economics. He has also outlined plans to increase marketing investment, improve operational efficiency and pursue disciplined development by matching franchise owners with suitable locations.
Founded in 2021, Hangry Joe’s has grown to more than 90 locations across over 20 U.S. states and international markets, including the United Arab Emirates. The chain recorded approximately $130.1 million in sales in 2025, up 33.4% year over year, according to Technomic data cited by Nation’s Restaurant News.
