Mr. Gay most recently served as the Company’s Chief Business Development Officer and brings nearly three decades of industry-related senior executive experience to Giggles N' Hugs. Mr. Gay, also currently serves as Managing Director of Triple Enterprises, a business advisory service firm that assists mid-cap sized companies with financing, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning, where he will continue his roll. From 2004 to 2010, he served as director, president, and Chief Executive Officer of Grill Concepts, a publicly-traded operator of upscale casual and fine dining restaurants throughout the U.S. From March 2000 to November 2001, Mr. Gay served as an independent consultant with El Paso Energy and assisted El Paso Energy with its efforts to reduce overall operating and manufacturing overhead costs. Previously he served as the Chief Financial Officer for California Pizza Kitchen, where he, and John Kaufman, COO, and the founders lead the company’s expansion to over 100 locations throughout the country before the sale of the company to Pepsi Co. From 1994 to 1996 Mr Gay served as the CFO, ultimately becoming CEO of Wolfgang Puck Food Company. He has held various COO and CEO positions including Color Me Mine and Diversified Food Group. Mr. Gay currently sits on the Board of Directors of Motorcar parts of America (MPAA), a half billion dollar publicly traded manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts.
“Giggles N’ Hugs is an incredibly unique concept and the business model aligns well with trends in the restaurant industry and the needs of major mall owners and operators,” stated Mr. Gay. “As CEO, I look forward to bringing in my experience and relationships to benefit the Company in executing on its expansion plans, and bringing the Giggles N’ Hugs experience to parents and children around the world. I'm extremely excited to join Joey and the rest of the team at this amazing concept that he's built from the ground floor.”
