Buffalo Wild Wings has appointed Ahmed Awadallah as Chief Operating Officer of its Sports Bars business, bringing in a restaurant executive with experience spanning global franchising, operations, engineering and technology.
Awadallah joins Buffalo Wild Wings from Espresso House Group, part of JAB Holding Company, where he most recently served as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Nordic coffeehouse operator. Espresso House has more than 500 corporate and franchised locations across Europe.
His appointment represents the second major C-suite change at Buffalo Wild Wings this summer. The brand appointed Scott Nelson as Chief Marketing Officer in June, adding to an executive leadership refresh under Brand President Tristan Meline.
Awadallah brings more than two decades of experience in restaurant operations and technology. Before joining Espresso House, he held multiple leadership positions at Yum! Brands, including Chief Operations & Customer Officer for Pizza Hut Europe and cross-functional roles supporting Yum’s operations across four continents.
His background also includes an engineering and systems perspective, something Inspire Brands specifically highlighted in announcing his appointment. The company said Awadallah brings a combination of engineering and systems expertise with restaurant management experience for global franchisors.
In his new role, Awadallah will focus on global franchising, brand experiences and technology-driven operational efficiencies across Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars.
“Buffalo Wild Wings was purpose-built for social connection,” Meline said, adding that the guest-focused proposition comes to life across the brand’s more than 1,200 sports bars worldwide. He described Awadallah as the right leader to drive continued operational excellence and efficiency across the business.
Awadallah said the brand’s combination of food, beverage and social experience was a major attraction.
“I am passionate about brands that bring together great food and beverage with a dining experience that builds connection and loyalty.”
He added that he was looking forward to working with Buffalo Wild Wings’ sports-bar team members and franchisees to build an energetic, customer-centric environment.
