Back Yard Burgers has announced the hiring of Scott Shotter as its new chief executive officer. Axum Capital Partners, Back Yard Burgers’ private equity firm, selected Shotter for his proven track record in operations and success in guest loyalty and team building strategies.

Shotter joins Back Yard Burgers from Moe’s Southwest Grill, where he was vice president of operations. While at Moe’s, he helped bring about exponential growth for the brand, which expanded from 200 locations to more than 700 locations during his nine-year tenure.

Restaurant industry veteran Scott Shotter has been tapped as the new CEO at Back Yard Burgers.

Prior to Moe’s, Shotter managed operations for more than 30 national and regional brands, including Starbucks, Sbarro, Popeye’s, Johnny Rockets and Burger King.

One attribute that attracted Shotter to the Back Yard Burgers brand, which boasts 51 locations across 11 states, was its vision for a new restaurant prototype and growth plan to bring its signature fresh, flame-grilled favorites to a new generation of guests.

“I’m very excited about these plans and it’s one reason I joined the team,” Shotter said. “In addition to the new store prototype, we’re going to focus on the culinary and service experience Back Yard Burgers provides to our customers. We know that our franchise partners are going to be equally excited and we look forward to rolling out what I believe is a well-planned growth strategy.”

About Back Yard Burgers

Founded in 1987 in Cleveland, Mississippi, Back Yard Burgers is a better-burger concept that takes pride in its uncompromising commitment to “providing custom, flame-grilled variety with care.” The company’s franchise partners and employees are passionate about offering the freshest ingredients and to serving the same high-quality food and hospitality that they would offer to family and friends in their own backyards. Along with offering made-to-order 100% Black Angus burgers, Back Yard Burgers’ menu also includes a variety of grilled chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, and hand-dipped milkshakes. Today the brand operates 51 locations (28 company owned and 23 franchised restaurants in 11 states). Back Yard Burgers is a strong supporter of Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry, whose goal is to end childhood hunger in America. For more information visit: www.backyardburgers.com.