EAU CLAIRE, Wis.
Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop is poised for continued growth with a newly assembled leadership team, expanding university and other non-traditional site presence and putting focus on strengthening support for franchise owners, team members and guests.
Eric Wolfe, who acquired the company with an investment group in 2004, is joined by President and CEO Mark Kocer and Chief Operating Officer Randy Ashbrook. Together, the team combines deep knowledge of the Erbert & Gerbert’s brand with extensive quick-service restaurant experience.
Founded in Eau Claire in 1988, Erbert & Gerbert’s has grown into a 57-location system spanning nine states. The brand is known for its distinctive sandwiches, soups and quirky personality, with locations in both traditional retail settings and non-traditional venues, including universities and hospitals.
“This is about positioning Erbert & Gerbert’s for its next chapter,” said Wolfe, Chief Development Officer. “Mark understands restaurant operations, franchisee relationships, team development and growth. His experience is a tremendous asset as we continue building the brand.”
Kocer leads day-to-day operations, vision and strategy, while Wolfe focuses on franchise sales and new development opportunities. Kocer brings a background in restaurant operations, franchise systems, team development and enterprise-level execution, informed by his service in the U.S. Army, where he rose to Staff Sergeant.
“Erbert & Gerbert’s is a brand with tremendous history, personality and opportunity,” Kocer said. “I am excited to work alongside Eric, our franchise owners and our support team to build on that foundation and create simple, scalable systems that help restaurants grow and teams succeed.”
COO Ashbrook brings more than four decades of restaurant operations, training, franchisee support and unit-level performance experience. His career includes roles with McDonald’s, Cinnabon, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Arby’s, Inspire Brands and Taco John’s International.
“I’m partnering with our franchisees to strengthen operations, improve restaurant-level performance and continue delivering a great experience for every guest,” Ashbrook said.
The company is also expanding through non-traditional development. New Sodexo-operated locations at the University of Central Missouri and Indiana Wesleyan University introduced Erbert & Gerbert’s to a new generation of sandwich fans. The company has 57 locations, 15 of which are non-traditional sites and 42 traditional locations. Additional locations are opening soon in both formats.
With an experienced leadership team, committed operators and a growing development pipeline, Erbert & Gerbert’s is building a stronger, more scalable brand for the future and plans to add many more locations in 2027.
About Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop
Founded in Eau Claire, Wis., Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop is a quick-service restaurant franchise known for distinctive sandwiches, soups and original brand personality. The company serves guests through 57 restaurants in nine states.
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