International udon noodles and tempura restaurant brand, Marugame Udon, has appointed Judd Williams to the newly created role, Head of Franchise for UK & Europe.
Judd, who has more than 20 years of global hospitality franchisor and franchisee experience, joins from Boparan Restaurant Group where, as International Development Director for the last four and a half years, delivered expansion through franchise across its multiple brands including Giraffe, Carluccio’s and Slim Chickens.
Judd has also previously held international franchise leadership roles in brands including Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Costa Express.
Marugame Udon made its UK and European debut in the capital last year with its flagship site off Liverpool Street, followed by successful openings in The O2, Canary Wharf and St Christopher’s Place. In mid-June, the fast-growing brand opened its fifth restaurant in London at retail and leisure destination Brent Cross.
In his new role Judd will be responsible for leading growth of the Marugame Udon’s operations through franchise in the UK and Europe, recruiting and working in partnership with experienced multi-unit brand operators as Marugame Udon has exciting plans to roll out further sites across London, the rest of the UK, and Europe.
Judd remarfked, “This is a really exciting role, with an iconic brand. I’m looking forward to working to help deliver our growth ambition to bring the Marugame Udon experience to more new customers through experienced franchise partners.”
Keith Bird, CEO of Marugame Udon Europe, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Judd into our growing team. We have exciting expansion plans and with his knowledge and experience he will be an integral part of us achieving this.”
