Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor of Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has promoted Natalie Hansen to Vice President of Franchise Sales, recognizing her instrumental role in driving franchise growth since joining the company in April 2021. Hansen previously served as Senior Director of Development and brings 25 years of franchising experience to her new position, having closed over 125 signed deals that have strengthened Perkins and Huddle House's presence across the United States and Canada. Her notable achievements include securing the largest deal in Huddle House history—a 20-unit franchise agreement in Texas—and introducing Perkins Griddle and Go to Alberta, marking the brand's expansion into a new Canadian province.
Peter Ortiz, Chief Development Officer for Ascent Hospitality Management, emphasized Hansen's role in leading both traditional and non-traditional franchise development. This advancement spotlights her contributions toward our growth and her dedication to developing exceptional brands that attract consumers and franchise partners, Ortiz said. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and are eager for her to explore new opportunities to expand our franchise network and strengthen our brand presence in the Family, Fast Casual, and Non-traditional dining sectors. The promotion signals Ascent's commitment to aggressive expansion through experienced leadership.
Hansen's background provides unique qualifications for this role, having spent two decades at REGO Restaurants, parent company of Quiznos and Taco Del Mar, where she served as Senior Director of Development and held various franchise leadership positions. Her experience also includes owning and operating a Quiznos franchise in Greenwood Village, Colorado, which provided her with firsthand insight into the franchisee perspective. This dual experience as both franchisor and franchisee has proven valuable in her approach to franchise development and support.
Hansen highlighted the importance of this dual perspective in her work. My personal experience as a franchisee gave me a deep understanding from that perspective that I have been able to leverage for supporting entrepreneurs looking to build their legacies and be part of successful brands, she explained. Since I have joined Ascent, we have revitalized our franchising program through innovative marketing strategies, lead generation campaigns, and advanced technology systems designed to support our franchise partners in building successful and lasting businesses. This comprehensive approach to franchise development has been central to the company's growth strategy.
The promotion comes at a time when Ascent Hospitality Management is actively expanding its franchise network, with Hansen's leadership expected to drive further growth in both traditional restaurant locations and non-traditional venues. Her track record of securing significant franchise agreements and expanding brands into new markets demonstrates the strategic importance of experienced franchise sales leadership in the competitive restaurant industry. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit https://www.ascenthm.com.
