Leadership

Amit Kleinberger

Chief Executive Officer

Amit Y. Kleinberger has served as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director since 2008. Prior to Menchie's, Kleinberger was an entrepreneur, owning businesses including an assisted living facility, a glass distribution company, and a chain of cellular communications retail stores. Kleinberger is also a veteran, and served prior to his business career as a sergeant in the armed forces, in an infantry combat unit and graduated commanders and sergeants school.

Elie Balas

Chairman of the Board

Elie Balas has been the Chairman of the Board and Director of Business Development for Menchie's since 2008. In addition to his duties with Menchie's, Elie serves as the Executive Director of Ami Adini & Associates, Inc., an environmental consulting company.

Adam Caldwell

Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer

Adam Caldwell has been the Chief Operations Officer and board director for Menchie's since 2008. In 2006, Adam co-founded the original Menchie's location in Valley Village, California. Prior to Menchie's, he was involved in guest support, product development and project management for Ami Adini & Associates Inc., an environmental consulting company. Adam also served as an Accounting and Operations Consultant for OML Consultants, Inc.

Danna Caldwell

Co-Founder and President

Danna Caldwell has been President and board director for Menchie's since 2008. Prior to that, she co-founded the original Menchie's location in Valley Village, California. Before founding Menchie's, she worked in marketing for Amp'd Mobile.

Tom Regev

Vice President of Operations

Tom Regev has served as Menchie's Vice President of Operations since 2009. Prior to Menchie's, Regev served as the Controller for the Israeli Economic Mission to the United States. Prior to that Tom served as an Economist and Deputy Manager of the Loans and Deposit Department for the General Accountant Department of the Israeli Ministry of Finance.

Joe Mathews

Senior Vice President of Franchise Development

Joe Mathews has served as Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Menchie's since 2010. In 2002, Joe founded the Franchise Performance Group, and maintains an active involvement with the company. Joe is a franchise veteran and a known figure in franchising, and started his career 25 years ago with the Subway sandwich brand. Joe's expertise is working with emerging brands and assisting them in becoming a national recognized franchise.

Gary Hunter

Director of Food Operations

Gary Hunter joined Menchie's in 2012 as the Director of Food Operations. He spent many years in full service restaurants with companies such as Bennigan's and The Elephant Bar. He was then an operations and training leader for quick service restaurants such as Jack in the Box, Jamba Juice, and Robeks. Gary has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Brian Melaney

Vice President of Franchise Development

Brian Melaney has served as Vice President of Franchise Development for Menchie's since 2008. He was elected Mayor of West Haven City, Utah in 2005, and was re-elected in 2009. Brian has served as President for Melaney Marketing, a promotional goods company. Brian is a franchise veteran, and has been in franchising for 30 years.

Karla Bendel

Vice President of Marketing

Karla Bendel has served as the Vice President of Marketing for Menchie's since 2012. Before joining Menchie's Karla was the Senior Executive Director of Corporate Marketing and Integrated Communications at Nestle USA. Karla spent over 17 years at Nestle facilitating national and global marketing campaigns. She brings her years of expertise to the Menchie's family by overseeing the Marketing Department and the Research and Product Development Department to promote the brand and restaurants worldwide.

Leslie Dean

Senior Director of Supply Chain

Leslie Dean has been the Senior Director of Supply Chain for Menchie’s since 2013. Before joining Menchie’s, Leslie worked at Sonic as the Director of Purchasing and Distribution. Leslie also worked for brands such as TCBY, Pretzel Maker and the Great American Cookie Company. Leslie possesses a wide range of experience in the disciplines of supply chain, food safety and operations and carries 20 years of experience in the food service industry.