Restaurant holding company fills newly created vice president roles

WOWorks, a St. Petersburg-based restaurant holding company whose brands include Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, has tapped Cole Thompson, a classically trained chef, to fill the newly created role of vice president of culinary.

According to a news release, Thompson was educated at Johnson & Wales University’s culinary school and has more than 15 years of experience in various aspects of the food industry, including fine dining, fast-casual brands, and culinary research and development. Prior to joining WOWorks, he was the corporate executive chef at RaceTrac. His background also includes a stint as culinary research and development director at Moe’s Southwest Grille.

In his new role, the release states, Thompson will oversee culinary research and development and operations for Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek and Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina.

“I joined WOWorks because it’s a company made up of some truly amazing people and brands,” Thompson states in the release. “At WOWorks, I have the opportunity to provide our guests with better-for-you ingredients that are bold, crave-able and full of flavor.”

WOWorks also announced that it has promoted Katie Cavuto to vice president of culinary for its Saladworks, Frutta Bowls and Zoup! Eatery brands. Cavuto previously served as executive chef for Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek.

“We created our new vice president of culinary roles because menu innovation and keeping abreast of the fresh, exciting flavors and ingredients is a crucial part of each of our restaurants at WOWorks,” WOWorks CEO Kelly Roddy states in the release. “We want our guests at each of our restaurant brands to enjoy seasonal and fresh menu items that not only provide a healthier meal choice, but also satisfy their desire for tasty offerings.”