Brisbane-based Motto Motto Japanese is boosting its executive team as the casual dining chain adds two new restaurants in the first half of 2021.
Former Huxtaburger CEO Matt Fickling steps up to the group chief operating officer role following last May’s appointment as chief commercial officer.
In his new role Fickling takes on responsibility for restaurant operations and new restaurant development in addition to leading the brand and marketing, supply chain and franchising functions.
The national operations manager, national development manager, national supply chain manager and marketing coordinator will all be direct reports.
Rishad Contractor has been appointed the brand’s first national operations manager . He joined Motto Motto in September 2020, moving from his NSW operations manager role at Betty’s Burgers and had previous senior management experience with Oporto and Coles Group, coupled with a background as an Oporto franchisee.
Matt Fickling said Contractor’s appointment will be instrumental in creating future opportunities for Motto Motto.
“Rish is charged with responsibility for our operations team as we scale our brand across Australia. He brings extensive experience across company operations, plus experience as both a franchisor and franchisee. This unique perspective will see us well placed to improve performance and create new opportunities for the brand, our people and our franchise partners.”
On his new appointment Contractor commented, “I am very excited to be taking on the role of national operations manager with Motto Motto. The brand is in a unique position and I am delighted to be joining Matt and William (group founder) in a more senior role.”
Expansion plans
Two new locations are set to open before the end of the financial year.
South-East Queensland’s ninth Motto Motto location opens in March at Robina Town Centre’s promenade; in Sydney the third New South Wales restaurant to open will be in Marrickville Metro’s al fresco dining precinct.
Motto Motto welcomed its first franchisees late 2020 and plans further expansion in New South Wales, and a foray into the Victorian market in 2022.
