New CEO J.R. Galardi touts drive-thrus, low food costs

Irvine-based Wienerschnitzel entered a new era of leadership with J.R. Galardi taking the helm at the 61-year-old family-owned company in February.

Value remains front and center for the company, which posted solid gains during the pandemic.

Reporting U.S. sales of $360 million for 2021, the Wienerschnitzel chief executive takes pride in keeping up with consumer demand with its longstanding drive-thru model and value prices.

“The drive-thru really succeeded, and we have incredibly low food cost for the industry. There are no competitors,” Galardi told the Business Journal shortly after taking over the top spot.

With goals of going international, the hot dog chain currently counts nearly 320 locations across North America.