NEWTOWN, PA — The Rose Group has promoted Harry Karopoulos to executive vice president of operations, elevating a 27-year company veteran to a senior leadership position at the restaurant franchise operator, which manages Applebee’s, Qdoba and Shannon Rose Irish Pub locations across four states.
The October 7 promotion expands Karopoulos’ leadership role at the Newtown, Bucks County-based company, which operates 54 Applebee’s restaurants in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, along with four Qdoba Mexican Eats locations in Pennsylvania and two Shannon Rose Irish Pubs in New Jersey.
Karopoulos joined The Rose Group in 1999 as an area director and has advanced through successive operational leadership positions. He became regional director of operations in 2002, executive director of operations in 2014 and vice president of operations in 2017.
His responsibilities have also included oversight of the company’s maintenance department and Qdoba restaurant operations, extending his management experience beyond the Applebee’s business.
The promotion comes as The Rose Group operates a portfolio of 60 restaurants across multiple brands, including four recently acquired Qdoba locations.
Bonnie Lippincott, the company’s president and chief operating officer, emphasized Karopoulos’ role in developing restaurant management personnel.
“He is an exceptional coach and mentor who takes the time to share his experience, challenge people to grow, and helps them become better leaders,” Lippincott stated.
The Rose Group was established in 1985 and ranks 109th among the nation’s 200 largest franchisees, according to Restaurant Finance Monitor.
The company operates primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, with its largest restaurant presence under the Applebee’s brand.
Additional information about The Rose Group is available at www.therosegroup.com.
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