Kirk Lanier to Succeed Kelly Saxton as President of Restaurant Franchisee The Saxton Group

DALLAS--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Kelly Saxton, the founder of The Saxton Group, is transitioning out of his current role as the president of the Dallas-based restaurant franchise and development company. Saxton, the largest McAlister’s Deli franchisee in the country and the first to bring Pinkberry out of California and New York, has had more than 30 successful years in the restaurant franchising industry and will appoint a new leader.

“Kirk, Adam and Matt have each achieved much success in their current positions, and I am confident that they will continue to build the company and grow as leaders.”

Effective this week, vice president Kirk Lanier will take the helm as president. Saxton’s sons, Adam and Matt, who both hold leadership roles in the corporate office, will complete the executive team as vice presidents. The restructuring will allow Saxton to step away from daily operational responsibilities and focus on his role as the chairman. As Chairman Saxton will work on strategic planning and long-term vision for the company he founded.

“Developing this company has been my passion for many years and I’m excited to transition out of the role of president and embrace the new leadership team,” Saxton says. “Kirk, Adam and Matt have each achieved much success in their current positions, and I am confident that they will continue to build the company and grow as leaders.”

Part of The Saxton Group since 1998, Lanier has played a strong role in shaping the organization. As vice president since 2009 and a member of the board of directors, he has spearheaded the opening of 40 McAlister’s Deli and Pinkberry locations in Texas and Oklahoma and provided operational leadership toward the company’s growth. A proven leader, Lanier’s new role will allow him to set the tone and direction of The Saxton Group’s 1,500-plus employees in Texas.

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of such an accomplished mentor,” Lanier says. “I look forward to assuming the day-to-day operations of the company and am very enthusiastic about the company’s future.”

Adam and Matt Saxton both got their start in the restaurant industry at an early age, and have worked their way up through the company to secure positions in The Saxton Group’s corporate office. Adam, Saxton’s eldest son, most recently served as the director of development and Pinkberry brand manager, while Matt was the director of project management and construction. As vice president Adam will continue to oversee real estate, development, public relations and strategic brand management of both the McAlister’s and Pinkberry concepts. Matt will manage the company’s construction, project management, purchasing, and accounting. Both will be involved with key marketing decisions.

Kelly Saxton, who founded The Saxton Group in 1982, has been responsible for the opening, operation and development of more than 100 restaurants throughout his career. As president and chairman of the board of directors, Saxton was responsible for The Saxton Group’s financial business as well as providing sound leadership and direction on the group’s future initiatives. Saxton’s emphasis on creating a friendly and nurturing work environment has enabled the group to grow considerably from its humble beginnings.

About The Saxton Group

A part of the restaurant industry for over 30 years, The Saxton Group has a rich history of multi-unit and multi-brand development. Initially a small operation with two restaurants, the group has evolved into industry veterans and leaders with locations operating in more than four states. The company is currently the largest McAlister's Deli franchisee in the country, one of Restaurant Franchise Monitor's Top 200 restaurant franchisees, and is aggressively expanding McAlister's Deli and Pinkberry concepts throughout Texas. Through the years, The Saxton Group has maintained a family approach to business and takes pride in teaching every employee about the restaurant business from the ground up. The group is headquartered in Dallas, Tex., and was recently named a Dallas 100 company for dynamic growth by SMU's Cox School of Business. For more information, please visit www.thesaxtongroup.com.