As it ramps up franchise growth nationwide, WOWorks has named former Subway executive James Walker as Chief Growth Officer while elevating longtime company leader and franchisee Nolan Woods to Chief Operations Officer. The appointments underscore the six-brand restaurant platform’s focus on scaling development, strengthening franchise support and expanding its co-branded restaurant strategy.
Walker joins the St. Petersburg, Florida-based restaurant platform with more than three decades of experience in franchising, restaurant operations and brand development. Most recently, he served as CEO of Lunchbox and has previously held senior leadership roles with major franchise brands including Subway, Nathan’s Famous, Baja Fresh and Cinnabon.
The appointment comes as WOWorks continues to expand its portfolio through both traditional franchise development and innovative co-branded restaurant formats. The company operates brands including Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos and Zoup! Eatery.
Alongside Walker’s arrival, WOWorks also promoted Nolan Woods from Senior Vice President of Operations to Chief Operations Officer. Woods, a longtime franchise operator and executive within the company, will oversee franchise operations, training, development and guest experience initiatives across the platform.
“Franchise development and franchisee success remain central to our growth strategy,” said Kelly Roddy, Chief Executive Officer of WOWorks. “James brings unmatched experience in franchise sales and market expansion, while Nolan’s dual perspective as both an operator and a franchisee will enhance restaurant performance and franchise support across all six WOWorks brands.”
The leadership changes follow a period of significant momentum for WOWorks. According to the company, it opened 24 new restaurant locations across its portfolio in 2025, including the first Frutta Bowls locations in Canada. The company also signed 40 new franchise agreements during the year, including multi-unit deals in markets such as Memphis, Tampa, Savannah, Athens and Raleigh-Durham.
A major pillar of the company’s growth strategy has been co-branding. WOWorks opened 10 co-branded locations in 2025, integrating Frutta Bowls into selected Saladworks and Barberitos restaurants. The model is designed to increase operational efficiencies, broaden menu offerings and improve franchise economics by leveraging shared infrastructure and staffing.
The company currently operates approximately 240 restaurants nationwide and has increasingly focused on attracting experienced multi-unit operators as it expands its better-for-you dining concepts. Walker is expected to play a key role in franchise recruitment, market development and strategic growth initiatives as WOWorks looks to build on its recent expansion momentum.
Founded in 2020 and backed by Centre Lane Partners, WOWorks has positioned itself as a multi-brand platform focused on health-conscious fast-casual dining. The company continues to pursue growth through traditional restaurants, co-branded formats and non-traditional locations while targeting sustained franchise expansion across North America.
