executive bios

Chief Executive Officer

Brandon Solano has built a reputation as one of the most creative and unconventional leaders in the foodservice industry. As CEO of RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. Solano has been challenged to drive profitable traffic, improve competitiveness and improve bottom-line results at both Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza. Prior to joining RAVE, Solano served as Chief Marketing & Digital Officer of fast-casual concept Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, where he recorded the best positive traffic the brand had seen in seven years.  Solano began his restaurant career with Domino’s Pizza in 2008, where he led the 2010 “New & Inspired” pizza launch as Vice President of Innovation. He later served as Vice President of Development for Domino’s, where he designed the “Pizza Theatre” concept and created the “Fortress Seattle” model market strategy, where he led operations. Prior to his Pei Wei tenure, Solano served as Chief Marketing Officer of Wendy’s, where he drove positive traffic for the first time in 10 years and created the brand’s successful 4 for $4 deal.

Raised in Flint, Michigan, Solano holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He lives on a sustainable urban farm in Southlake, Texas, with goats, chickens, honeybees, 20 varieties of vegetables and four semi-tame teenagers.

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer at RAVE Restaurant Group, Mike Burns leads the charge in creating guest experiences that get RAVE reviews! He oversees all operations and operations services for the more than 250 Pie Five Pizza and Pizza Inn restaurants domestically and internationally. With over a decade of leadership expertise in company and franchise operations, Burns joins RAVE after serving as the Vice President of Operations at Pei Wei Asian Kitchen. Previously, he spent eight years at Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. as the Director of Operations Support supporting company and franchise operations and as Regional Vice President overseeing over 175 restaurants. Burns is a graduate of Emerson College.

Vice President of Finance

As Vice President of Finance, Clint Fendley brings a wealth of experience in achieving positive financial performance and strategic growth. Prior to joining RAVE, Fendley was International Finance Manager at 7-Eleven where he produced financial strategy around underperforming stores. He honed his skills as a Senior Advisor at NewBridge Group, Inc. and also as First Vice President and Senior Research Analyst at Davenport & Company, LLC.  His other experience includes serving as a Senior Research Analyst at Wachovia Securities, International Accounting for i2 Technologies and Senior Accountant at Price Waterhouse. Fendley graduated from Abilene Christian University and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University – Owen Graduate School of Management.