Darin Mendenhall

Multi-unit restaurant operations leader with 25+ years in quick-service and franchise environments, with experience on both sides of the franchise relationship. Spent 20+ years at the franchisor level (Auntie Anne's/Focus Brands, IHOP), coaching franchisees and enforcing brand standards, then took on full P&L accountability as Director of Operations for a 17-cafe franchisee portfolio, with nearly $20M in combined sales, from New York City to Northern Virginia. Skilled at developing general managers, building sales and traffic, controlling labor and inventory, and driving guest satisfaction.

ServSafe Certified Instructor and Proctor.

Director of Operations, Mid-Atlantic Region at FRESH DINING CONCEPTS (2021 – 2025)

Franchisee: one of the largest Auntie Anne's franchisees, plus Carvel and Cinnabon

• Held full P&L responsibility for 17 cafes across PA, NJ, NY, and VA, with combined sales of nearly $20M.
• Led and developed up to 11 general managers, setting expectations for sales, labor, quality, and guest service.
• Grew average territory sales 40%+ over 2019, with net sales per transaction up 30% and traffic up 14%.
• Raised guest service scores 14% through a territory-wide service initiative.
• Coached GMs through weekly performance calls reviewing sales, labor, inventory, and metrics, and conducted regular cafe evaluations with action plans to close gaps.
• Led the territory through post-pandemic recovery, rebuilding staffing using referral, sign-on, and retention bonuses.
• Researched, selected, and managed vendor relationships for supplies, equipment, and service, supporting consistent product availability and cost control across 17 cafes.
• Navigated supply chain disruptions with alternative sourcing that minimized interruptions and lost sales.
• Oversaw facilities, repairs, and maintenance, balancing service quality and cost.
• Maintained productive relationships with corporate partners, franchise business consultants, and fellow franchisees.

Franchise Business Consultant, Northeast Region at IHOP (2018 – 2020)

Franchisor

• Managed franchise relationships and operational performance for 48 restaurants across Western New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
• Served as business coach and strategic partner to franchisees, focusing on sales growth, profitability, guest satisfaction, and brand compliance.
• During the initial COVID-19 shutdowns, guided franchisees through rapid conversion to takeout, delivery, and curbside models in days rather than weeks or months, helping most restaurants in the territory stay open.
• Conducted comprehensive operational evaluations two to three times annually, developing improvement plans with franchisees and management teams.
• Achieved 100% territory adoption of updated point-of-sale technology and online ordering, contributing to a doubling of online sales.
• Encouraged third-party delivery adoption to create incremental sales.
• Supported the transfer of ownership of 10 underperforming restaurants; under new ownership, the locations achieved positive comparable sales for the first time since opening.
• Guided new franchisees through three restaurant openings.

Director of Food Service at SPOOKY NOOK SPORTS (2016 – 2018)

• Directed all aspects of a $6 million food service operation, including restaurant operations, staffing, vendors, inventory, facilities, and financial performance.
• Rebuilt and developed the food service team, increasing profitability by 17% over the previous year.
• Improved restaurant guest feedback scores by 35%.
• Designed and implemented a cash management program that reduced annual shrinkage by more than $45,000.
• Managed relationships with more than 15 vendors to optimize purchasing, inventory, and operating costs.
• Set measurable performance objectives for managers and supervisors and held teams accountable for results.
• Implemented recurring operational and food safety audits.
• Managed labor scheduling and payroll budgets, aligning staffing with business demand.
• Oversaw facility expansions, remodels, equipment upgrades, and maintenance projects.

Regional Vice President at AUNTIE ANNE'S, INC. / FOCUS BRANDS (2013 – 2016)

Franchisor

• Served on the leadership team developing, opening, and supporting more than 120 Auntie Anne's/Subway co-branded locations, coordinating with Walmart, Subway, and Auntie Anne's teams.
• Contributed to growth planning that supported approximately 40 new store openings annually.
• Led and supported a field consulting team of approximately 20 consultants, reinforcing operational standards and consistent brand execution.
• Developed and delivered recurring training for field consultants.

International Operations Manager / International Director of Operations at AUNTIE ANNE'S, INC. / FOCUS BRANDS (2010 – 2013)

Franchisor

• Led international initiatives spanning supply chain, construction, equipment, marketing, R&D, and franchise partner support.
• Developed operational procedures and training materials for brands across the FOCUS Brands International portfolio.
• Conducted restaurant evaluations, operational audits, and opening support across Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Evaluated and approved potential sites and supported new franchise partner development.
• Established the highest first-day sales in Auntie Anne's history at the time with the opening of a restaurant in Japan.

On-Site Trainer; Franchise Business Consultant; Operations Specialist; On-Site Training Manager at AUNTIE ANNE'S, INC. / FOCUS BRANDS (1996 – 2010)

Career progression: Began as an On-Site Trainer (1996) and advanced through Franchise Business Consultant (1998–2001), Operations Specialist (2001–2006), and On-Site Training Manager (2006–2010), building a comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations and franchise performance.

Functional Manager Training – Penn State University

Music Industry Studies – Millersville University

Diploma – Solanco High School