Sonny’s BBQ Enhances Leadership Team to Fuel Growth Strategy
August 8th, 2025 4:54 PM
By: Newsworthy Staff
Sonny’s BBQ has appointed Matt Zeiger as Chief Financial & Development Officer and added Debbie Pirone and Eric High to key director roles, signaling a strategic push to expand its franchise operations and enhance operational excellence.

Sonny’s BBQ, a prominent name in the barbecue restaurant industry, has taken significant steps to bolster its leadership team with the appointment of Matt Zeiger as Chief Financial & Development Officer, alongside the addition of Debbie Pirone as Director of Training & Operations Support and Eric High as Director of Franchise Relations. These strategic hires underscore the brand's commitment to accelerating growth and operational efficiency as it seeks to expand its footprint in the competitive barbecue sector.
Matt Zeiger brings to Sonny’s BBQ a wealth of experience, including 25 years of financial and operational leadership in the restaurant franchise industry. His previous roles include CFO of Pizza Hut Korea, where he played a pivotal role in the brand's turnaround, and CEO and CFO of Quality Restaurant Group, where he drove significant EBITDA growth. Zeiger's expertise is expected to be instrumental in guiding Sonny’s BBQ through its next phase of expansion, ensuring that growth is both strategic and sustainable.
Debbie Pirone and Eric High, with their extensive backgrounds in franchise operations and training, are set to enhance the brand's operational frameworks and franchisee support systems. Pirone's two decades at Domino’s Pizza, where she focused on operations and franchise development, and High's experience overseeing more than 650 Dunkin’ franchised restaurants, highlight their capability to drive operational excellence and franchisee satisfaction at Sonny’s BBQ.
The addition of these seasoned professionals to the Sonny’s BBQ leadership team is a clear indication of the brand's ambition to strengthen its market position and operational capabilities. With a rich legacy and a strong culture, Sonny’s BBQ is poised for a new era of growth, supported by a leadership team that brings deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of success. For more information on Sonny’s BBQ and its franchise opportunities, visit https://sonnysbbqfranchise.com/.
Source Statement
This news article relied primarily on a press release disributed by citybiz. You can read the source press release here,
