A former Yum! Brands executive has joined Dallas-based Nothing Bundt Cakes as its new chief operations officer.

Wanda Williams joins the nation’s largest specialty cake company as it continues to build out its senior leadership team amid rapid expansion.

“Nothing Bundt Cakes has doubled in size over the past five years, and Wanda is a proven leader who will help seamlessly manage operations and franchise success for our continually growing system,” Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO Dolf Berle said in a statement. “Her expertise in franchisee relations, strategic operations and sustainable innovation will be invaluable as we continue to expand our brand and support our bakery owners.”

At Yum! Brands, Williams served as head of global franchising, a role in which she led overall franchise system management and franchisee relations across four major brands, working with over 1,500 franchisees. Before that, she was VP of operations at Plano-based Pizza Hut, where she was responsible for enhancing the restaurant and delivery experience through innovative technology and contactless operating procedures.

At Nothing Bundt Cakes, Williams will oversee operations, team development, and communications for more than 600 bakeries operating throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company said her appointment comes at a key time in Nothing Bundt Cakes’ aggressive growth initiative, which seeks to open its 1,000th location by 2027.

Nothing Bundt Cakes recently was named Yelp’s 2024 No. 26 Fastest Growing Brand.

Through her leadership roles with brands such as Waste Management, HBO, and Yum! Brands, Williams has extensive expertise spearheading franchise recruitment programs, managing operations strategies, and driving substantial revenue growth, the company said.

“Joining this vibrant brand at such a pivotal moment presents an incredible opportunity to be part of a remarkable success story,” Williams said in a statement. “Nothing Bundt Cakes is not only a beloved, fast-growing brand but also has a strong commitment to product innovation, quality and delighting our guests with every visit. By working closely with our bakery owners, we will continue to drive profitable growth, develop team members and enhance our bakery-level financials and performance.”

Capitalizing on the “snackification” trend

Founded in 1997, Nothing Bundt Cakes said it’s on track to become one of the highest-growth companies in the industry over the next few years. 

In June, the niche cake franchise outlined its plan to become a $1 billion brand and opened its 600th store, per restaurant industry publication NRN. Roark Capital bought the brand about three years ago, adding more than 200 units since that time.

The expansion is being led by Berle, a former TopGolf leader who joined the company in summer 2023. Under his watch, Nothing Bundt Cakes is aiming to at least triple its previous annual growth rate.

Nothing Bundt Cakes’ aggressive expansion plan is driven by factors such as the rising trend of “little sweet treats” among Gen Z consumers and the growing “snackification” of the American diet, the company said in June.

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