Eric Wyatt
Clean Eatz is making big moves at the top, appointing Eric Wyatt as its first CEO.
The 110-unit healthy food franchise launched in 2013, co-founded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady. They started franchising in 2015 and have locations in 23 states. Wyatt joined the company in September.
The Varadys “said it was probably one of the most difficult decisions they had to make, not so much on the selection of Eric Wyatt, but the fact that they were bringing somebody in to lead their baby, their child that they had raised from infancy,” Wyatt said.
Wyatt prioritized a healthier lifestyle following a total knee replacement and aligned with Clean Eatz’s brand position, he said.
“It was this magical timing personally, as well as the brand impression and the founders, that inspired me to continue in the process of meeting Don and Evonne,” he said.
Wyatt was CEO of California-based Norms Restaurants and held leadership roles at Boston Market, Corner Bakery Café, Hardee’s, Panera Bread and Starbucks.
“I’ve ran company operations, been responsible for franchise organizations, and been a franchisee. That sort of uniquely qualifies me as a CEO because there’s probably not many who have done all three of those things,” Wyatt said. “I think it’s the culmination of all those experiences in the different brands that I’ve been a part of that have given me the opportunity to lead as a CEO.”
Franchise expansion and brand awareness are priorities as Clean Eatz highlights its healthy lifestyle initiatives through promotional opportunities. Wyatt aims to grow the company’s support center, build single-store franchisees into multi-unit operators and grow existing multi-unit operators.
Growth will come from building the franchisor-franchisee relationship, which Wyatt said is important given his franchisee background.
“When you build the relationship, it’s about getting to know what really is inside of our franchisees,” he said. “What motivated them to become a franchisee at Clean Eatz, what some of the challenges are that they’re currently experiencing and how we either overcome them or face them head on.”
Wyatt wants to open at least 25 units this year and as many as 50; Don Varady will lead the brand’s store development. “I continue to be excited about the opportunity for Clean Eatz,” Wyatt said. “The growth trajectory that we’ve been on and will continue to have is certainly exciting.”