Bruster's brings on real estate VP

With commitments for 30 franchised locations, Bruster's Real Ice Cream has brought on a new vice president of real estate to guide site selection and related real estate oversight. Thomas J. "T.J." Tranel is stepping into the position as the brand continues to grow into the West and Southwest of the nation, according to a company press release.

Tranel was previously store development manager for Batteries Plus Bulbs, responsible for nationwide site selection at the 730-plus unit chain. Bruster's, which is mostly an East and Southern U.S. chain, is pushing westward with new locations. 

"Bruster's has a reputation for providing excellent marketing and operational support to new franchisees," Bruster's CEO Jim Sahene, said in the release. "By bringing T.J. onboard, we will be able to better support our new owners in the all-important site selection process. Ultimately, they will be able to open their shops faster and be more successful." 

There are nearly 200 independently owned Bruster's locations in 20 states, Guyana and South Korea.