St. Louis-based Lion’s Choice will have a new CEO beginning in April.
The company announced today veteran restaurant executive Fred Burmer will take the helm next month at Lion’s Choice, replaces CEO Michael Kupstas, who is retiring at the end of March. Kupstas brings to a close a 50-year career in the restaurant industry. He led Lion’s Choice for six years, leading the company through rebranding and expansion. He will remain as an investor and strategic advisor to Burmer and the company’s board of directors.
Burmer himself has been in the industry for 40 years, previously serving in an executive capacity at brands such as PepsiCo and YUM! Brands that include Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC and Long John Silver’s.
Burmer began his career as a part-time team member at a franchise of six Pizza Hut restaurants while attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando. This ultimately turned into a career, leading the company to more 50 restaurants and one of the most successful markets in the country. Burmer is credited with helping transition Pizza Hut from a dine-in to a delivery concept. Since 2019, Burmer has served as chief operating officer of a YUM! Brand franchisee based in the Mid-Atlantic, which includes all brands of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Long John Silver’s restaurants.
Lion’s Choice, founded in St. Louis in 1967, has a team of approximately 550 employees and has locations throughout Missouri, including the Kansas City area, as well as western Illinois.
