Development

Mr. Welch has over 35 years of development experience, including 18 years of executive leadership roles in retail and restaurant development spanning general management, construction, real estate, development, planning and design.  Mr. Welch has held various roles at Taco Bell Corp., including the VP of Development for Chevy’s Mexican Restaurants, Director of Architecture & Engineering in Irvine, and as a Director of Development.  During his 10 year tenure at Taco Bell, Mr. Welch was responsible for both Company and Franchise growth of approximately 500 new restaurant units. Mr. Welch also served as the Senior VP of Development for Darden Restaurants where he supervised the development of approximately 70 Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants during his two year tenure.

Most recently, Mr. Welch was VP of Construction and Development for Unicorp National Developments, and previously served as the Senior VP of Development for 24 Hour Fitness Corp. where he was responsible for strategic new unit growth, construction and remodel programs, and asset portfolio management.  He has also held development positions at Grand Union and Safeway grocery stores.