Manatee-based restaurant chain First Watch Restaurants, Inc. has hired a franchising expert to lead its expansion, the company announced Wednesday.
Greg Michael, 61, of Delray Beach, will debut as the new vice president of franchising in appearances next weekend at the company's exhibit at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, the company said. Earlier this year, First Watch began offering franchise sales agreements in 35 states.
Michael is a former franchise manager at Dunkin' Brands, Inc., and former vice president of franchising and development at Hooters of America.
Architect conference
SARASOTA - The Sarasota Design Conference this year will feature four acclaimed architects, whose work runs the gamut from large-scale transportation systems and high-design to urban decay and basic shelters.
The conference, called "Design with a Conscience," is slated for June 5-7 at the Longboat Key Club & Resort, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key.
It will focus on how good design and social responsibility can work hand-in-hand, even with constrained budgets.
In addition to speakers Jeanne Gang, John Peterson, Jaime Lerner and Teddy Cruz, the conference will include a panel discussion on the threatened demolition of Riverview High School, considered one of Paul Rudolph's most environmentally-sensitive buildings.
Limited public seating is available at the conference, sponsored by the AIA Florida Gulfcoast chapter, affiliated with the American Institute of Architects. For information, see MColeman23@verizon.netwww.aiafla-gulfcoast.org.
-Herald staff reports
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