Salvatore Rincione is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in franchising, multi-unit restaurant operations, and brand development. His impressive career trajectory is marked by a series of leadership roles that highlight his expertise in franchise development, operations management, and innovative concept creation. Rincione’s career is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and exceptional ability to turn around struggling brands and launch successful new ventures.
Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ: Founder and President
In February 2018, Salvatore Rincione founded Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ, a unique and trendy fast-casual BBQ and hot dog joint based in East Setauket and Saint James, New York. As the Founder and President of Franchise Development, Rincione has built Crave into a beloved brand known for its customizable menu and innovative features like the self-serve beer wall. Under his leadership, Crave offers an array of BBQ sandwiches, sliders, all-beef hot dogs, brats, and sausages, all grilled to perfection and served with a variety of delicious sides.
Rincione’s vision for Crave goes beyond the food; he aims to create an unforgettable customer experience. By encouraging creativity and customization, he has ensured that every customer leaves satisfied and eager to return. The self-serve beer wall, featuring a selection of beers, wines, and ciders, exemplifies his commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation.
Extensive Franchise Expertise
Before founding Crave, Rincione amassed significant experience in franchise development and restaurant operations. He served as the Vice President of Real Estate and Construction for Brix Holdings, overseeing the development of over 250 Red Mango locations, including traditional and non-traditional stores across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. His role involved managing all aspects of quality control, financial management, human resources, hiring, training, and new store development.
Rincione’s expertise extends to brand development and franchising systems implementation. As the Vice President of Operations and National Development Manager at Red Mango USA, he was responsible for day-to-day operations, financial management, and creating operational procedures, employee handbooks, and training platforms. His efforts led to significant sales increases and operational improvements, demonstrating his ability to drive results and enhance productivity.
Transforming UFood Grill
From March 2015 to December 2017, Rincione served as the CEO of UFood Grill, a brand he revitalized after purchasing its assets. He spearheaded a complete rebranding and relaunch of the concept, introducing a new menu featuring healthy and fresh options like chicken, beef, turkey, and veggie burgers, as well as wraps, bowls, salads, and paninis. His efforts also included a new logo, a redesigned website, and a revamped franchising system that generated triple-digit leads and substantial franchise sales.
Rincione’s leadership at UFood Grill exemplifies his ability to turn around struggling brands and create compelling dining experiences that resonate with modern consumers. His focus on health-conscious, made-to-order meals prepared with natural and organic ingredients helped position UFood Grill as a standout in the fast-casual segment.
Leadership at Five Points Partners and Planet Hollywood
Rincione’s career also includes pivotal roles at Five Points Partners and Planet Hollywood. At Five Points Partners, he was responsible for developing Five Guys Burgers locations in New York and New Jersey, overseeing operations, real estate, and construction management. His leadership resulted in significant operational improvements and the successful launch of new stores.
As the Vice President of Operations at Planet Hollywood, Rincione managed the operations of New York’s largest restaurant in Times Square, a 65,000-square-foot location. He increased revenue from Chapter 11 bankruptcy to a thriving $30 million operation, making it the highest-volume location in the company. His role involved hosting high-profile events and implementing comprehensive training programs for management.
SR Consulting: President and CEO
In addition to his roles in restaurant operations and franchise development, Rincione founded SR Consulting in January 2018. As President and CEO, he offers his extensive expertise to help other brands and businesses succeed. His consulting services focus on franchise development, brand strategy, store design, construction management, and real estate selection, leveraging his vast knowledge and experience to drive growth and innovation.
Salvatore Rincione’s career is a remarkable journey of leadership, innovation, and success in the franchise and restaurant industries. His ability to develop and implement effective strategies, coupled with his dedication to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, has made him a respected and influential figure in the industry. Whether founding new ventures like Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ or revitalizing established brands like UFood Grill, Rincione’s impact is undeniable, and his contributions continue to shape the future of franchising and restaurant operations.
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