Eau Claire, WI (Restaurant News Release) Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop has announced a strategic leadership addition designed to accelerate franchise growth and strengthen systemwide performance. Effective June 1, Mark Kocer, a restaurant industry veteran with more than 33 years of multi-unit leadership experience, will become Chief Executive Officer. Current CEO Eric Wolfe will move into the role of Chief Development Officer, where he will focus entirely on brand growth, new revenue opportunities, and expansion of the franchise system.
This transition underscores Erbert & Gerbert’s long-term commitment to building a stronger, more scalable brand for franchise owners, team members, and guests. Founded in Eau Claire, Wis., the company has earned a loyal following for its distinctive sandwiches, soups, and quirky brand personality. As the quick-service restaurant industry evolves, Erbert & Gerbert’s is focused on raising brand awareness, expanding its footprint, strengthening franchisee collaboration, and increasing market-level advertising impact.
Wolfe and his partners purchased the brand in 2004 and transformed it into a regional brand that now boasts 60 locations and spans nine states, supported by strong multi-unit operators and key national contracts with foodservice partners in both traditional retail locations and non-traditional venues, including universities and hospitals.
Wolfe is also excited about the opportunity to expand the brand across multiple channels. With the brand positioned for continued expansion, Wolfe believes this is the right time to bring in a seasoned industry veteran to lead day-to-day operations, vision, and strategy, while he focuses on growing franchise sales and pursuing new development opportunities.
“Mark is the right person to take the company to the next level,” said Wolfe.
Kocer brings a deep background in restaurant operations, franchise systems, team development, and enterprise-level execution. His leadership career began with service in the U.S. Army, where he rose to Staff Sergeant and developed the discipline, accountability and people-first leadership approach that would later define his restaurant career.
In 1993, he went on to advance through field leadership and training roles with KFC/Yum! Brands, overseeing multi-unit operations and supporting national rollout initiatives. In 2002 he moved to Arby’s Restaurant Group/Inspire Brands, where he rose to Division Vice President and led end-to-end field operations, P&L ownership and strategy execution across a 700-plus-unit territory. During his tenure, Kocer helped drive top-ranked national division performance in guest experience and profitability, launched Arby’s national catering program and developed numerous future leaders across operations, training, and field supervision. This 20-year tenure with one of the biggest names in the industry solidified Kocer’s reputation as a leader in the QSR segment.
Most recently, Kocer served as Chief Operating Officer of Taco John’s International, directing enterprise operations for a 350-plus-unit national QSR system. His work included modernizing POS, back-office, and drive-thru systems, introducing enterprise-wide KPI scorecards, strengthening franchisee business reviews and improving operational consistency across the system.
Known as a people developer, collaborator and systems simplifier, Kocer brings a leadership philosophy centered on building trust, empowering teams, and creating user-level simple systems that can deliver consistent results at scale.
“Erbert & Gerbert’s is a brand with tremendous history, personality and opportunity,” said Kocer. “I am excited to work alongside Eric, our franchise owners and our support team to build on that foundation, and create the kind of simple, scalable systems that help restaurants grow and teams succeed.”
“This is about positioning Erbert & Gerbert’s for its next chapter,” Wolfe said. “Mark understands restaurant operations, franchisee relationships, team development, and growth. His experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue building the brand.”
About Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop
Founded in Eau Claire, Wis., Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop is a quick-service restaurant franchise known for its distinctive sandwiches, soups, and original brand personality. The company serves guests via 60 restaurants in 9 states. The system continues to focus on growth, franchisee support, and delivering a memorable guest experience. For more information or to find the nearest Erbert & Gerbert’s location, please visit ErbertAndGerberts.com.
Contact:
Rhonda Sanderson
Sanderson & Associates
Rhonda@sandersonpr.com
847-612-9829