Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> May 19, 2003
WAYNE NORBITZ was appointed to the Board of Directors and became
President and Chief Operating Officer of Nathan's Famous, Inc.,
in November 1989. Through Mr. Norbitz's leadership and insight,
Nathan's, the company and concept, has undergone an astonishing
rebirth. Today, Nathan's is uniquely positioned as an 84-year-old
tradition with immeasurable brand equity. Mr. Norbitz has
spearheaded the creation of a new and exciting restaurant
prototype, including carts, kiosks and modular merchandising
units that have been successfully rolled out across a broad
spectrum of varied environments. During the recent past, a
mission statement and coordinated process of organizational and
cultural change has commenced along with the adoption of a
refocused strategic plan. With a sense of urgency and a
commitment to excellence, Nathan's will actualize accelerated
growth by leveraging its highly valued brand and marketing its
signature products in new and exciting ways. In addition,
Nathan's is expanding by means of acquisition. In 1999, Nathan's
acquired the Miami Subs Corporation and the Kenny Rogers Roasters
franchise system. Prior to becoming President and Chief Operating
Officer, Mr. Norbitz served as Nathan's Executive Vice President
from July 1988 through November 1989, Vice President of
Operations from 1978 through September 1988 and Director of
Operations from 1975 through 1978. Profile
investors should focus on?
Mr. Norbitz: At Nathan's we are continuing our strategy of
looking to market our brand, which we
