STAMFORD, Conn. — Riko’s Pizza announced a major leadership transition on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, naming Carl Bachmann as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bachmann, a seasoned executive with previous leadership roles at BurgerFi and Smashburger, will officially assume the post on January 1, 2026.
Current founder and long-time CEO Rico Imbrogno will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. Bachmann has served as the brand’s President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2025, using the past year to overhaul the chain’s operations and prepare it for national scaling.
“Carl has proven himself to be an extraordinary leader who understands our values and has already made a tremendous impact,” Imbrogno stated in the press release.
“In less than a year, he’s strengthened every part of our business—from technology and operations to marketing, menu development, and real estate—while driving meaningful same-store-sales growth across the system.”
From “Bar Pie” to National Franchise
Under Bachmann’s operational leadership in 2025, Riko’s Pizza reported a 16.5% year-over-year increase in corporate same-store sales, a significant metric amidst a challenging dining landscape. His tenure so far has been marked by rapid modernization, including the introduction of new menu categories like sliders and “salad pizzas,” as well as expansion into key markets in Florida, North Carolina, and New York.
“What Rico has created here is truly unique in the restaurant industry—both from a product and concept perspective,” Bachmann said.
“Riko’s is a special brand defined by its one-of-a-kind product, culture, and people, and I’m excited to continue growing our footprint while staying true to the values that make us who we are.”
Why It Matters
For the broader restaurant industry, Bachmann’s appointment signals that Riko’s Pizza is moving from a regional “cult favorite” to a serious national contender. Bachmann is known for his “playbook” of taking niche, high-quality concepts (like Smashburger’s better-burger model) and systematizing them for mass franchising.
His immediate focus on enterprise technology and vendor partnerships suggests that Riko’s is addressing the most common bottleneck for emerging franchises: the supply chain. By hardening these operational arteries now, Riko’s is positioning itself to scale its “tavern-style” pizza—a thin-crust category currently enjoying a massive resurgence in popularity—without losing product consistency. For equipment manufacturers and food distributors, this expansion represents a growing account that will require standardized, high-volume support across the East Coast and beyond.
While Riko’s focuses on long-term operational scaling under new leadership, other major players in the casual dining sector are doubling down on immediate seasonal engagement. Illustrating this focus on driving Q4 foot traffic, Cracker Barrel recently launched its Cracker Barrel Holiday 2025 campaign, featuring free toys for kids and expanded “Heat & Serve” meal options. This contrast highlights the dual tracks currently visible in the industry: emerging brands are building infrastructure for future growth, while legacy chains are leveraging value-added promotions to capture holiday dining dollars.
As Riko’s Pizza fortifies its executive team to scale its tavern-style concept, the broader pizza industry continues to bifurcate between mass-market expansion and hyper-premium experiences. Illustrating the latter, the legendary Spanish ham producer Cinco Jotas recently announced its Cinco Jotas Margherita Royale Pizza launch, debuting a luxury collaboration in New York and Atlanta. This move underscores a parallel industry evolution: while some brands prioritize operational consistency for franchise growth, others are leveraging heritage ingredients to redefine the ceiling of what a “premium” pizza can command in the market.
Other News
Bachmann’s Menu Strategy in Action With Carl Bachmann now at the helm, Riko’s is moving quickly to innovate its menu while staying true to its tavern-style roots. To see the first major seasonal launch under his leadership—featuring bold winter flavors like hot cherry peppers and breaded eggplant—check out our coverage of the Riko’s Pizza Winter 2026 Limited-Time Offers.
FAQs
When does Carl Bachmann become CEO?
Carl Bachmann officially assumes the title of CEO on January 1, 2026.
What is Riko’s Pizza known for?
The brand specializes in “tavern-style” or “bar pie” pizza, known for its super-thin, crispy crust and signature “Hot Oil” spicy topping.
What is Rico Imbrogno’s new role?
Founder Rico Imbrogno will move to the role of Executive Chairman, where he will focus on strategic vision and brand culture.
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