Walter Whited

Walter Whited is an experienced professional with a strong background in the food service industry. Walter currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at SONIC Drive-In, starting in 2022. Prior to this, they served as the Regional Director of Operations at Meridian Restaurants Unlimited, L.C. from 2021 to 2022, and at Dairy Queen and Fourteen Foods from 2020 to 2021.

From 2014 to 2020, Walter worked as an Area Operations Partner at Panera Bread, where they successfully developed and drove operational and organizational initiatives for 12 company-owned cafes. Walter also played a significant role in recruitment, staffing, and collaboration with catering, delivery, and bakery operations.

Before Panera Bread, Walter held the position of Regional Director of Operations at Heartland Food Corp. from 2011 to 2014. In this role, they provided support and initiated actions to maximize performance in assigned franchised restaurants.

From 2008 to 2011, Walter served as Regional Vice President at Duke and King LLC, dba Burger King, where they conducted performance analysis and evaluation for franchise units and managed short and long-term business plans to promote sales and profit growth.

Other notable positions in Walter's career include Area Supervisor at Fazoli's Management, LLC from 2002 to 2008, Area Director at Shoney's Restaurants from 1997 to 2002, and General Manager at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery LLC from 1995 to 1997.

Overall, Walter Whited brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their current role as Chief Operating Officer at SONIC Drive-In.

Walter Whited attended Kent State University from 1981 to 1983, studying Business. Walter also briefly attended Niagara County Community College in 1983. Later, Walter pursued a field of study in Business Administration at Indiana Institute of Technology, although the specific years are unknown.