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Pick up Stix hires Dunkin’ Donuts exec as new president
November 21st, 2008, 5:05 am · 6 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Robert Rodriguez is going from doughnuts to noodles.
The former president of Dunkin’ Donuts has been tapped to become the president and chief operating officer of San Clemente-based Pick up Stix. The fast-casual Chinese food chain, owned by Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, has hit a rough patch lately, having closed 26 underperforming stores this year.
Rodriguez has more than 30 years of industry experience. Besides leading Dunkin’ Donuts, he’s served in executive roles at Togo’s, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, McDonald’s and Mrs. Fields.
Rodriguez replaces Ray Blanchette, who is now with Joe’s Crab Shack out of Houston.
My take: I wanted to learn more about Rodriguez so I asked the Carlson reps if I could talk to him. The company declined to offer him up, saying he wouldn’t be ready for interviews for at least six months.
What do you think? Any tips to give to the new Pick up Stix boss? I have noticed the chain is doing more coupons lately. Should they continue those deals, and what else can it do to improve? Write and and let us know.
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yummy i love me some pickup stix… maybe more shrimp in your shrimp dishes ! I get the kung pao shrimp and usually get more vegetables and 3 shrimp in a box. i still continue to go back but more shrimp definitley
What he is bringing is the abilty to reduce over-head, streamline the individual ‘Units’ personnel and product production and hopefully increase revenue. I assure you he was not hired to improve the quality of the product produced. In this current ecomomy, Isabel, you will be luck to get your 3 shrimp and a few vegetables… Look for products that will fill up the consumer, cost less to purchase on a wholesale end and very inexpensive to produce. Also look for a reduction of staff and less folks that speak fluent english, they’re going to go ‘Bottom-of-the-barrel’ when it comes to staffing. Also ALL staff not in Management will be reduced to less then 32 hours a week to eliminate ALL benefits. Any making over minimum currently will have their hours reduced or their position eliminated…. Welcome to coporate Fast Food! It’s going to get better, I can tell you that!
JSTA, do you have an inside source or are you just guessing what the new boss will do? As far as what the new boss should do, I’d vote for a few menu options that had smaller portions and lower prices. How about a mini-bowl like Sushi Boy offers?
My advice to the new chief is to please stop making all of the food taste so sweet. The coupons are a good thing. I need the coupons during this economic slump!
I’d also like to see some new items like sesame balls, shrimp and meat dumplings,red bean soup dessert, and something like chinese fish and shrimp balls. They could be offered as add-ons, maybe in the $2-$4 range. Thanks for letting me comment, and I hope the new Chief reads this column.
Pick Up Stix has definitely gone the cheap route and their food quality and consistency has suffered as a result. I usually choose now just to go to a good hole in the wall like China Panda in Villa Park or spend a few bucks more and go to a place like Pei Wei.
Good luck to the franchisees at Pick Up Stix. The franchisees at Dunkin Donuts were happy to see him go. In his tenure there he managed to alienate many franchisees and deteriorate the franchisee/franchisor relationship.He also spear heaaed a costly venture into the afternoon lunch market which had no business case and is to this day is not profitable.