The Fall Of Anthony Wedo

Anthony Wedo is a prominent figure in the restaurant and hospitality industry, having served as CEO of several major companies. Notably, in 2012, he was hired by Ovation Brands, formerly known as Buffets Inc., to help the company recover from bankruptcy. As the CEO of Buffets Inc., Wedo made a memorable appearance on CBS's Undercover Boss in October 2013, going undercover as Mike Davis to gain insight into his employees' lives and the inner workings of his restaurants. Beyond his work in the restaurant industry, Wedo has also been associated with brands such as KFC, Boston Market, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, showcasing his expertise in brand development and turnaround strategies.

Anthony Wedo's appearance on CBS's *Undercover Boss*

On October 18, 2013, Anthony Wedo, the CEO of Buffets Inc.—the country's largest steak buffet chain—appeared on CBS's *Undercover Boss*. Having taken over as CEO in December 2012, Wedo went undercover as "Mike Davis" in several of his Hometown® Buffet, Old Country Buffet®, and Ryan's® restaurants across the nation. He worked a variety of jobs, including those of a server, grill cook, manager, and cashier.

As a new CEO, Wedo wanted to get an unvarnished view of what was happening in the restaurants. He learned about the challenges his employees faced at work, and their personal stories. This experience made him more committed to turning the business around. He said:

> "I now see exactly where the paycheck goes for our associates and what it means for them. This experience has made me even more committed to turn this business around. People are counting on us. [...] This experience embodied something I believe in deeply, that I am compelled to help those with many worries but with few complaints. Our employees have many challenges, but they work hard and give so much of themselves every day. I am now even more focused on lifting up my teammates wherever I can to provide them with help not only at work but with their lives as well."

During the show, Wedo awarded employee Whitney Durant and her family a new home.

Wedo's career before Buffets Inc

Anthony Wedo started his career at PepsiCo, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Vice President and General Manager of a $1 billion KFC division before turning 30. From 1986 to 1993, he worked for PepsiCo/KFC, eventually overseeing 1200 restaurants, 7000 employees, and $1 billion in revenue.

Wedo then founded MidAtlantic Restaurants, Inc., which he led as President and CEO until 1997. During this time, he was responsible for developing the Boston Market brand in his area, growing the company to 160 restaurants and generating over $250 million in annual sales. This success led Boston Chicken Inc. to purchase his company, and he became the Chief Concept Officer for the U.S. brand from 1997 to 1999.

Following his time at Boston Market, Wedo joined the New World Restaurant Group, Inc., a group of bagel and coffee businesses, as CEO in 2001. He was quickly promoted to Chairman and President, and during his tenure, he successfully integrated multiple brands, restructured the leadership team, and consolidated six separate bagel restaurant brands into a dynamic single brand. Under his leadership, the company grew to 10,000 employees across 1000 stores and $750 million in annual sales, leading to a successful sale in 2004.

His work as a leadership expert and growth strategist

Anthony Wedo is a leadership expert, growth strategist and brand rebuilder. Over the past 30 years, he has been a Fortune 50 executive, the CEO of some of the US's largest restaurant chains, and an entrepreneur.

Wedo's expertise lies in three categories: rapidly growing startups, consolidating and transforming brands, and turning around and reinventing corporations.

In the first category, Wedo played a pivotal role in building Boston Market's Mid-Atlantic franchise business from scratch. In just three and a half years, he scaled the business to $250 million in sales across 150 stores, with 7,000 employees across seven states. This work was recognised by USA Today, NASDAQ and the Governor of Pennsylvania.

In the second category, Wedo restructured the senior leadership team at New World Restaurant Group, negotiated $160 million in funding and consolidated six separate bagel restaurant brands into a single dynamic brand. He grew the business to 10,000 employees across 1,000 stores and $750 million in annual sales, leading the company to a successful sale in 2004.

In the third category, Wedo transformed the operator of six national buffet brands, including Old Country Buffet and Ryan's, with a full rebrand and operational restructuring. He dramatically exceeded investor expectations, building to $10.5 billion in sales, with 18,000 employees and 350 restaurants across 35 states.

Wedo has also served as an operating partner for several private equity firms, raising over $500 million in debt and equity. He has authored a book, 'The 12 Commandments: Lessons in Servant Leadership', and is a professor at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business & Economics.

Wedo's political aspirations

Anthony Wedo's political aspirations came to light in 2010 when he considered running to represent Delaware in the United States House of Representatives. However, he ultimately decided against entering the election, stating that he looked "forward to being part of the future [of the Republican] party and our state and supporting our outstanding candidates in 2010".

Wedo's potential candidacy emerged following the announcement by former Delaware Representative Mike Castle that he would be running for the US Senate in 2010. Wedo's name was floated as a possible replacement for Castle in the House of Representatives. Despite not entering the race, Wedo expressed his commitment to supporting the Republican Party and its candidates in the upcoming elections.

In addition to his business acumen, Wedo has also demonstrated a commitment to public service and community engagement. He has served on the boards of various organisations, including the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the University of Delaware's Horn Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. He has also shared his leadership expertise through speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats.

While Wedo ultimately chose not to pursue elected office in 2010, his influence in politics has been recognised. In 2015, Ballotpedia identified him as a top influencer by state, highlighting his potential impact on elections, policy proposals, and ideological changes.

His work as an author and professor

Anthony Wedo is a leadership expert, growth strategist, brand rebuilder, and professor at the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business & Economics. He has over 25 years of experience as a Fortune 50 executive, entrepreneur, and reinvigoration CEO.

Wedo has authored the book "The 12 Commandments: Lessons in Servant Leadership", which outlines his recommendations for leaders. The book is an extension of his work as a professor, where he teaches and mentors students studying entrepreneurship, bringing his real-world experience and lessons to the classroom.

As a professor, Wedo is described as someone who ""cares so much about [his students'] future by teaching them life skills that will play a pivotal role in their lives". He is committed to helping his students improve and become great leaders themselves. He also serves on the boards of the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the University of Delaware, Horn Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

Wedo's expertise in leadership comes from his extensive experience in the business world, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He has held leadership positions at various companies, including PepsiCo/KFC, Boston Market, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. He has successfully grown startups, consolidated and transformed brands, and turned around and reinvented corporations.

In summary, Anthony Wedo's work as an author and professor is closely tied to his business experience and expertise in leadership. He brings this expertise to the classroom and shares it through his book, empowering and educating future leaders.

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