Leading Executives in Ice Cream, Yogurt, and Smoothie Shops

Troy Bader

President & CEO, International Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen)

President and CEO guiding DQ’s global system and U.S./Canada strategy; oversaw 2024 sales growth and added former Domino’s exec Art D’Elia as COO to drive operations across nearly 5,000 restaurants in the region.

Media/PR

Jerid Grandinetti

Brand Head, Baskin-Robbins (U.S.), Baskin-Robbins (Inspire/GoTo Foods)

Leads Baskin-Robbins U.S. as Brand Head, setting strategy and overseeing marketing and franchise operations across ~2,300 U.S. shops within the Inspire/GoTo Foods portfolio.

Media/PR

Jeff Smit

Chief Operating Officer, Kahala Brands (Cold Stone Creamery, Pinkberry, Planet Smoothie, Tasti D‑Lite, etc.)

Longtime Kahala leader who now runs day‑to‑day brand operations as COO; previously led Cold Stone operations and today coordinates R&D, supply chain, development, and marketing across the portfolio.

Media/PR

Wan Kim

Owner & CEO, Smoothie King

Owner-CEO credited with modernizing the brand and expanding to 1,200+ units; recently added a GLP‑1 Support Menu, named a new CMO, and brought on Gavin Felder as President while he remains at the helm.

Max Wetzel

Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Appointed CEO in November 2024 to lead the 1,500+ unit smoothie-and-food powerhouse; has since bolstered the C‑suite (COO/CFO/GC) to fuel continued franchise growth.

Nathan Louer

Chief Brand Officer, Jamba (GoTo Foods)

Oversees brand strategy, marketing and operations as Chief Brand Officer, driving growth initiatives for the iconic smoothie shop brand within GoTo Foods’ platform.

Amit Kleinberger

Chief Executive Officer, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

High-profile CEO who scaled Menchie’s into one of North America’s best-known self‑serve froyo chains and even appeared twice on Undercover Boss to spotlight franchise operations.

Phillip Chang

Founder & CEO, Yogurtland

Founder-CEO steering expansion and development for the 200+ location self‑serve frozen yogurt brand; continues to build out leadership and franchise development capabilities.

Adam Hanson

President, The Häagen-Dazs Shoppe Company (U.S.)

President of Häagen‑Dazs Shops in the U.S., leading shop design refreshes and multi‑state expansion initiatives for the premium ice cream café network.

Jim Salerno

Chief Brand Officer, Carvel (GoTo Foods)

Veteran Carvel operator who now leads as Chief Brand Officer—responsible for strategy, marketing and franchise operations for America’s original soft‑serve brand.

Linda Chadwick

Chief Executive Officer, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

CEO driving national and international growth for the beloved Italian Ice and frozen custard chain; partnered with private equity in 2025 to accelerate expansion.

Andy Kuntz

Chief Executive Officer, Andy’s Frozen Custard

Namesake founder-CEO who scaled the nation’s largest frozen‑custard‑only chain and continues to expand rapidly across the South and Midwest.

Jim Sahene

Chief Executive Officer, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Industry veteran leading Bruster’s for two decades-plus; credited with franchise system growth to 200+ shops and sustained same‑store sales momentum.

Jennifer Schuler

Chief Executive Officer, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Former Wetzel’s Pretzels CEO who took the helm at Handel’s in 2024, bringing deep franchise expertise to scale the 100+ unit, 80‑year‑old premium ice cream brand.

Neil Hershman

Chief Executive Officer & Co‑Owner, 16 Handles

Largest franchisee-turned-owner who acquired the NYC‑born froyo chain and is spearheading a national expansion with pop‑culture‑driven product drops and co‑branding moves.

Allison Lauenstein

Brand President, Marble Slab Creamery (FAT Brands)

Brand President for Marble Slab Creamery (and Great American Cookies) driving co‑branding growth and market expansion in key hubs like Houston.

Eric Lefebvre

Chief Executive Officer, MTY Food Group (parent of Kahala Brands)

CEO of the multibrand franchising giant that owns Cold Stone Creamery, Pinkberry, Planet Smoothie, TCBY and more—shaping strategy and capital allocation across 80+ brands.

Investor Relations

Steve Schulze

Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Nékter Juice Bar

Co‑founder and CEO of the modern juice and smoothie bar concept; recognized for franchise growth and brand innovation focused on clean, functional ingredients.

Susan Taylor

President & Chief Executive Officer, Juice It Up!

Veteran Jamba alum who became CEO in 2020; recognized among top franchise CEOs and credited with multi‑year sales gains as the brand marks its 30th anniversary.

Gavin Felder

President & Chief Financial Officer, Smoothie King

Former Yum! Brands strategy leader elevated to President in 2025 while retaining CFO duties; helping execute Smoothie King’s next‑chapter growth plan and footprint expansion.