Hot Palette America is thrilled to announce a key addition to its leadership team: Mark Bailey has joined as the Chief Operating Officer to help steer the expansion of Pepper Lunch across North America. Mark had been supporting the company in a consulting capacity throughout 2023, and is now welcomed on as our full time operations executive.

Mark brings with him a wealth of experience that spans over four successful decades in the restaurant and franchising sectors. Having been at the helm of operations for iconic brands like Subway, Boston Chicken (now Boston Market), Chronic Tacos, and Poke Works, Mark has demonstrated a keen aptitude for scaling franchise concepts and managing operations with finesse and strategic acumen.

His many roles and results stands testament to his ability to oversee expansive restaurant networks while maintaining impeccable standards of service and quality. Mark's expertise extends beyond the fast-casual and quick-service realm; he's also a respected consultant for full-service restaurants across the spectrum, from high-end fine dining to family eateries.

As COO of Hot Palette America, Mark's focus will be on successful onboarding and guidance of new franchisee partners and helping them get ready and open on time and on budget. He will also lead the development and management of the first corporate owned Pepper Lunch in the US. As well as drive the ongoing efforts around our national supply chain infrastructure.

His approach is about ensuring that each Pepper Lunch restaurant delivers the exceptional dining experience the brand is known for – an experience as sizzling and dynamic as the teppanyaki plates that have become a signature of Pepper Lunch.

With Mark's leadership, Hot Palette America aims to fortify Pepper Lunch's position in the fast-casual sector, capitalizing on his extensive background to bring an unparalleled depth of operational excellence to the brand. As Pepper Lunch grows under Mark's operational stewardship, the brand looks forward to a future that is as promising and vibrant as its flavorful dishes.

Please join us in welcoming Mark Bailey to the Hot Palette America and Pepper Lunch family. His proven track record, industry insight, and dynamic leadership are sure to ignite a new era of growth and success for Pepper Lunch in North America.