Rave Restaurant Group Inc. announced restaurant industry veteran Bob Bafundo as the new president of Pizza Inn, an international pizza chain and flagship brand under Rave Restaurant Group Inc.

Bafundo has nearly 40 years of restaurant experience, and in his new role, he will be responsible for all Pizza Inn operations, marketing and training functions across the company. Additionally, he will oversee the opening of new Pizza Inn locations in the United States and overseas.

“We’re excited for Bob to join the Rave team,” says Randy Gier, CEO of Rave Restaurant Group Inc. “Bob has a proven level of leadership, a track record of building strong teams, driving performance, and working with franchisees to create great customer experiences. We look forward to the impact he will have on continuing to rebuild the Pizza Inn brand.”

Bafundo most recently served as president of Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a Denver based fast-casual restaurant. With a background in operations, Bob has worked through the ranks of single and multiunit operations with restaurants such as KFC, Tin Star Southwest Grill, Back Yard Burgers, and Rax Restaurants.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Pizza Inn family,” says Bob Bafundo, president of Pizza Inn. “My initial focus will be on fully immersing myself in the brand and culture, which includes visiting restaurants, meeting with employees of all levels and of course sampling all the great pizza.”

Bafundo built the franchise program for Garbanzo and also led company operations including implementing many of the systems that were critical for the emerging brand. Along with holding numerous positions in operations and franchising, Bob was also served as a franchisee for Tin Star Southwest Grill and an area developer for Sport Clips, which will give him invaluable experience in leading with the Pizza Inn franchise system.