Heather Darden Joins GPS Hospitality as Vice President of Legal

BURGER KING® Franchisee with 136 Restaurants Reinforces Focus on Growth and Talent Acquisition

ATLANTA – (July 8, 2015) – GPS Hospitality, a rapidly growing, Atlanta-based BURGER KING® franchisee, today announces the appointment of Heather Darden to Vice President of Legal.

In her new role, Heather provides legal support to all areas of GPS Hospitality, primarily focusing on supporting the acquisition, development, construction, and remodeling of restaurants. This includes drafting and negotiating asset purchase agreements, leases and contracts, and reviewing due diligence materials such as surveys and environmental reports.

Heather, who has more than 12 years experience in the quick service restaurant (QSR) food industry, joins GPS Hospitality from Suntrust Bank, where she was Senior Counsel to the Real Estate Team. She holds membership to both the Georgia and Florida State Bar and has served as Real Estate Counsel for both RaceTrac Petroleum and The Wendy’s Company.

A member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Association of Corporate Counsel, and Commercial Real Estate Women – Atlanta Chapter, Heather serves on the Board of Trustees for Mercer University, where she received her undergraduate degree.

“At GPS, we believe people are our greatest asset,” said Tom Garrett, GPS Hospitality’s CEO and Founder. “With Heather’s key addition, GPS Hospitality continues strengthening our team while we position our company for further growth in 2015 and beyond.”

GPS Hospitality was recently recognized by the Atlanta chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth® (ACG) as one of the fastest growing Georgia companies in 2014.

In less than three years, GPS Hospitality has acquired 136 BURGER KING® franchise locations through five acquisitions. By focusing on its goal-focused, talent-oriented approach to franchise management, GPS Hospitality sustains rapid growth by attracting and retaining the top talent in the QSR food industry.

About GPS Hospitality
Founded in 2012, GPS Hospitality is a BURGER KING® franchisee, operating 136 stores in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. GPS Hospitality seeks to become our guests’ favorite QSR destination by implementing our brand values of being Goal Focused, People Oriented and Service Obsessed. For more information, please visit www.gpshospitality.com.

# # #

Media Contact:   Jim Ethridge · jime@marketinginspirations.com · 678-866-3572