Daniel Gilbert

Director, Franchise Operations at Cinnabon - GoTo Foods

Greater Philadelphia

About

Multi-Unit Operations Leader | Growth Strategist | Team Builder Experienced operations leader with over 13 years of success leading and scaling high-performing franchise systems. Currently supporting over 700 franchised locations, with a proven ability to drive profitability, enhance operational excellence, and execute strategic brand initiatives. Skilled in aligning cross-functional stakeholders and building cultures rooted in accountability, service, and results. Passionate about developing energetic, solutions-oriented teams and empowering franchisees to overcome challenges and achieve sustained growth. Leveraging a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Finance, I combine a strong foundation in financial analysis with hands-on experience in franchise operations to implement scalable systems, streamline processes, and drive performance. Recognized for a consultative leadership style, data-driven problem solving, and a relentless commitment to delivering value—whether by optimizing P&Ls, improving guest experience, or innovating operational strategies. My goal is to foster a collaborative team environment where everyone wins—from owners and operators to guests and brand partners.

Experience

  • Cinnabon (7 yrs 1 mo)
    • Director, Franchise Operations & Performance
      May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Franchise Business Consultant
      Jun 2019 - May 2023 · 4 yrs

  • Franchise Business Consultant at Auntie Anne's LLC
    Apr 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos

    -CoBrand Auntie Anne's/Cinnabon FBC Lead in the Northeast Region -CoBrand FBC Lead for NYC Metro Area

  • Primo Hoagies (9 yrs 6 mos)
    • Corporate Field Consultant
      Jun 2017 - Jun 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      PrimoHoagies is a U.S. fast-casual restaurant chain with 100+ locations and growing. I was responsible for serving as one of the primary operations and business consultants to our 100+ stores and franchisees. I regularly visited, consulted with, and supported all locations in optimizing business potential while concurrently contributing to managing daily operations in corporate owned stores. I assisted in training and coaching new owners and their employees in best practices for achieving leadership, operational, service, and financial excellence. I also conducted operations audits and planned and implemented corporate product, quality, and process improvement initiatives. Achievements --------------- ► Played an integral role in corporate owned franchise location achieving 66% year-over-year (YOY) comp sales growth; ranking #1 in 2018 gross sales; and placing #3 out of all other stores in 2017. ► Organized and spearheaded 9 corporate store takeovers involving management and staff stabilization efforts, sales expansion, and seamless transitions to new owners. ► Trained and supplied onsite coaching and operations support during 20+ store transfers to new franchisees. ► Participated in preparing 5 new stores for opening, including training, onsite and ongoing support, and grand opening undertakings such as event planning, marketing, production, and execution. ►Joined product development team in redesigning and introducing a new menu franchise-wide ► Helmed several corporate projects , including updating all corporate operations documents; compiling a store opening/training manual for new franchisees; and converting consulting reports to a data-driven process. ►Offered valuable insights for refining operational process during roll out of new menu items to stores.

    • Store Manager
      Jan 2010 - May 2017 · 7 yrs 5 mos

      In this leadership role, I orchestrated day-to-day operations to ensure delivery of quality products, prompt attention, friendly hospitality, and exceptional customer service. An essential part of my work was hiring, training, scheduling, and motivating a team of 10+ employees to provide a positive customer experience. Additionally, I administered cash, financial record-keeping, banking, and payroll while maintaining the safety, sanitation, functionality and appearance of equipment and facilities. Highlights ----------- ► Consistently propelled sales growth by at least 10% each year. ► Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction. ► Controlled all food and labor costs by monitoring and tracking performance metrics; compiled, analyzed, and interpreted data and reports.

  • Wealth Management Intern at McLaughlin Asset Management, Inc.
    Feb 2017 - May 2017 · 4 mos

    Spring Internship ----------------------- • Provided support in preparing for upcoming client meetings • Supported the client service team to help monitor and update the status of account transitions • Prepared, downloaded, and sent all tax documents/information to clients for tax related investments • Assisted with various projects in the evaluation of a current portfolio, new portfolio construction and proposal development

  • Finance Intern at Schiavi + Dattanni Financial Advisors
    Jun 2015 - Aug 2015 · 3 mos

    Summer Internship ------------------------- • Provided hands on support for the annual planning process and on-going project reporting • Assisted with new systems migration to Salesforce • Helped with administrative and support tasks