Sprinkles Promotes Murakami to Chief Operating Officer
Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants has promoted Justin Murakami to chief operating officer, recognizing his exemplary contributions and leadership in steering operational growth and innovation. His promotion signals a pivotal phase in executing Sprinkles’ growth strategies domestically and internationally.
Dan Mesches, president and CEO, lauded Justin’s appointment, affirming, “Justin’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success, especially in expanding Sprinkles’ global footprint and Picnik’s domestic expansion. We’re confident that under Justin’s leadership, we’ll continue to exceed expectations, scale efficiently and solidify our position as industry leaders.”
Since joining Sprinkles in 2017, Justin swiftly became an integral part of the company’s evolution. His instrumental role in developing and implementing foundational systems and processes laid the groundwork in expanding the brand’s physical footprint with both company-owned and franchised locations, domestically and internationally.
Notably, under his stewardship, Justin took the brand’s iconic cupcake ATMs beyond their brick and mortar locales and launched the non-traditional Cupcake ATM business. With over 50 ATMs and counting, Sprinkles ATMs can be found in airports, malls and lifestyle centers across the country. Justin was also instrumental in the successful launch of Sprinkles’ National Shipping Program, creating another channel for significant growth.
With an impressive career spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Justin has navigated through the ranks starting as a host, then becoming a GM at the Cheesecake Factory to an Area Director overseeing multiple brands with Lettuce Entertain You and Hopdoddy Burger Bar. His vast experience has honed his abilities and insights, propelling him to craft and fortify infrastructures conducive to sustained business growth.
As COO, Murakami will lead operations, training, supply chain, culinary, franchise operations and new bakery and restaurant openings. His responsibilities include partnering with cross-functional departments, identifying opportunities and gaps, formulating and implementing robust processes and systems to ensure scalability and ease for the team.
Murakami expressed his enthusiasm about the promotion, stating, “Assuming the role of chief operating officer at Sprinkles and Picnik is a tremendous honor. I am devoted to leveraging our team’s strengths, harnessing operational excellence, and charting a growth trajectory that maintains our commitment to exceptional guest experiences. I am excited about the opportunity to not only drive innovation and sustainable expansion for our business, but to continue nurturing and developing the people I work with every day.”
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Walker’s Shortbread Leader Marjorie Henderson Walker Dies
Marjorie Henderson Walker, who grew her family’s business Walker’s Shortbread “from one village bakery employing 20 people into an international business employing over 1,000 people,” died peacefully in Aberlour, Scotland, on Oct. 22.
The company posted an obituary on its website:
Marjorie, fondly known as ‘Marj’, was born in Inverness on 17th July 1940, daughter of the late James and Winnie Walker, a younger sister of Joe and older sister to James.
Marjorie is survived by her son David, daughter in law Beverley, grandson Josh and great grandchildren, Evie and Jack. Sadly her younger grandson Brodie passed away in 2018 at the age of 23.
Since she was a child, Marjorie had a huge love of all things nature – the countryside, farming, birds and animals, with a particular love of both horses and dogs.
Marjorie attended school in her home village of Aberlour. After school, Marjorie followed her passion attending equestrian schools in both the Cotswolds and Germany. During her time in Germany, Marjorie unfortunately suffered a bad knee injury, which ruled out the equestrian career she had dreamed of.
In 1962, Marjorie returned home to Speyside and joined her family business Walker’s Shortbread. She was made a full partner in the business with brothers Joe and Jim and was one of the three founding directors in 1980, when the Limited Company was formed.
During her 40 year career with the business Marjorie did a fantastic job for the company. She oversaw administration, and in the early days attended key events and food shows as the Walker’s brand was beginning to grow. As time went on, she managed the finances, and took on the role of Company Secretary later in her tenure. Marjorie also passionately managed the company’s five bakery shops, a responsibility which she greatly enjoyed, and they thrived under her management.
Marjorie was a real people person, like her father, and was full of kindness. Marjorie was popular with staff and managed customer relationships very well, in the process making good friends both at home and abroad. She was a composed and magnificent ambassador for the family business and an accomplished bridge-builder when there were disagreements to overcome.
Marjorie’s role in the development of Walker’s was highly significant and she was both a motivated and motivational businesswoman. During her time with the business, it grew from one village bakery employing 20 people into an international business employing over 1,000 people.
With great enthusiasm for animals and agriculture, Marjorie fulfilled her lifelong ambition of buying a farm with her son David who manages the farm to this day. Marjorie was a loving mother to her son David, and later to her grandsons Josh and Brodie all of whom she adored and championed passionately.
Marjorie was enormously loved by many people around the world, especially colleagues and customers. She will always be remembered as a fun-loving passionate and dynamic woman who will never be forgotten.
Midwest Growth Partners Invests in French Gourmet
Midwest Growth Partners, a West Des Moines- and Omaha-based private equity fund that specializes in succession planning and growth capital investments across the food and agriculture value chain, has invested in French Gourmet, LLC.
Based in Sparks, Nev., French Gourmet was founded by Patrick Novak in 1984 as a manufacturer of artisanal, all-natural, European-style pastries and Danishes. The company manufactures a variety of croissants, Danish pastries, dough shells and puff pastries with laminated dough in frozen and pre-proofed formats. The company services hotels, cafes, independent bakeries, diners, grocery bakeries and other foodservice businesses.
“French Gourmet is well positioned for its next phase of growth, and I’m excited for Midwest Growth Partners to help execute on the vision I’ve had for the company since founding the business,” said Patrick Novak.
Zane Hendricks, vice president of Midwest Growth Partners, said, “French Gourmet has a great product, culture, and impressive manufacturing capabilities. I’ve enjoyed working with the entire management team, and we are excited to be part of the company’s growth for years to come.”
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