Smokey Mo’s Appoints Von Dawson as Vice President of Franchise Development
Smokey Mo's BBQ has appointed Von Dawson as its new Vice President of Franchise Development. In this role, Dawson will lead franchise development efforts to expand the brand across Texas and identify qualified operators for growth. Dawson brings experience from Dine Brands Global, where he oversaw franchise sales for IHOP, Applebee’s, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Smokey Mo's currently operates 22 locations in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston with additional units under development. The brand is focused on strengthening its operational foundation while maintaining a lean model that includes smaller restaurant footprints and digital tools to enhance efficiency and the guest experience. Dawson’s appointment aligns with Smokey Mo's strategy of measured expansion and franchisee support. The barbecue sector remains relatively underserved in franchising, offering opportunities for growth as Smokey Mo's continues building its presence across Texas. CEO Craig Haley emphasized that Dawson will play a key role in identifying experienced operators who can contribute to the brand’s next phase of development.
Topics: Franchising Leadership Change