Veggie Grill Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Heeley As Chief Operating Officer

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Veggie Grill, the leading fast-casual restaurant concept known for celebrating veggies in innovative ways, today announced the appointment of Steve Heeley as Chief Operating Officer. Heeley joins Veggie Grill from Florida-based, Earl of Sandwich, where he was CEO. Steve will add the leadership necessary for the company's continued growth outside of its California and West Coast markets, having been CEO or COO of four different restaurant brands, including top posts at fast-casual leaders Au Bon Pain and Baja Fresh. He will report directly to Chief Energizing Officer, Greg Dollarhyde.

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"I'm excited for Steve's addition to our Veggie Grill team as he is a successful operator who will lead and support our continued growth trajectory," said Greg Dollarhyde, CEO, Veggie Grill.  "Steve and I have built a company together before and I know him to be a solid leader with high integrity and deep, relevant experience."

"Veggie Grill has established itself as one of the most innovative concepts in the restaurant industry," said Steve Heeley, Chief Operating Officer, Veggie Grill. "I am thrilled to join the team during this exciting fast growth phase and look forward to advancing Veggie Grill's commitment of bringing vegetables to the center of our guests' plates in fun and unique ways."

Most recently, Heeley was President and Chief Executive Officer of Earl of Sandwich where he was responsible for the chain's 30% annualized growth domestically and internationally over the past two years. Prior to Earl of Sandwich, Heeley held executive positions with Au Bon Pain, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, and has made a life-long career of the restaurant industry. Steve received his MBA from Madison University in Wisconsin.

About Veggie Grill
Veggie Grill, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, is a premium fast-casual, veggie-centric restaurant chain that features a satisfying and energizing variety of hot sandwiches and burgers, entree salads, bowls, homestyle plates, shareable sides, organic teas and house made desserts prepared with hearty, veggie-based proteins and fresh, wholesome ingredients. Craft beer and wine are available in most locations as well as kids meals. Veggie Grill supports people moving vegetables to the center of their plates, and makes the impossible possible: nutritious food that is convenient, affordable, craveable and 100% made from plants. Veggie Grill currently has 26 locations along the West Coast with additional locations opening soon.

For more information, visit www.veggiegrill.com.

Media Contact:
Tracey Koblick
JCUTLER media group
[email protected]

SOURCE Veggie Grill

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http://www.veggiegrill.com