Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s Restaurant Leaders

Jennifer Durham brings a uniquely strategic perspective to franchise development, combining a financial foundation as a CPA with decades of experience guiding multi-unit brands through scalable, sustainable growth. Throughout her career, she has worked across the restaurant, retail and wellness industries, helping brands strengthen unit-level economics, optimize development strategies and create long-term value for franchise owners. Her leadership roles with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, and Checkers & Rally’s have given her deep expertise in franchise expansion, market planning and operational alignment. Today, as Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jennifer leads the brand’s growth strategy, identifying opportunities that complement the brand's neighborhood-focused approach while supporting strong franchisee performance. From prototype optimization and market development to refranchising initiatives and conversion opportunities, Jennifer is recognized for pairing analytical rigor with practical, relationship-driven leadership. She is passionate about helping franchise owners build thriving businesses and fostering partnerships that strengthen both local communities and the broader Potbelly system.

Troy Hooper joined Pepper Lunch as one of the three global business unit CEO’s for the brand, and oversees Pepper Lunch’s parent company in North America, Hot Palette America. Troy brings 30 years of unparalleled experience in hospitality, operations management and executive leadership to this role, which has fueled Pepper Lunch’s infrastructure development, growth efforts, and brand deliverables, creating a fruitful franchise model for the North American market. Throughout his career, Troy has successfully built new concepts, rebranded existing restaurants, and improved well-established venues for iconic brands. Troy’s decades of experience and business acumen brings a breadth of knowledge to the rapidly growing global brand, Pepper Lunch.