Fridays names Julie McEwan as chief operating officer

McEwan held leadership roles in Whitbread and Las Iguanas.

Fridays announced the appointment of Julie McEwan as its chief operating officer.
 
The executive will oversee operations for all Fridays UK sites and will join the company in early March.
 
This appointment comes amidst the chain’s execution of growth plans, including a new flagship store opening in Chelmsford this Spring, as well as its first ‘Fridays And Go’ QSR concept in Dundee in March.
 
“She [McEwan] brings a wealth of experience and unrivaled expertise which will be instrumental to our growth plans, as we bring the Fridays feeling to even more people right across the country,” Fridays CEO Robert B. Cook said in a statement.

“I am so excited to be joining such a successful brand with a strong heritage and identity. The Fridays culture is incredibly unique and I am looking forward to being part of its next growth chapter, working alongside exceptionally talented people. The company has ambitious plans, and I cannot wait to get started,” McEwan added.

McEwan started her career at Whitbread, spending several years as Operations Manager for Premier Inn, before joining Spirit Pub Company where she held several senior roles, including leading the Flaming Grill brand.

In 2016, Julie joined Casual Dining Group (now called Big Table Group) as operations director of Las Iguanas and was promoted to brand director in 2019.