Sprinkles Promotes Justin Murakami to Chief Operating Officer of Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants

25 Year Hospitality Veteran to Spearhead Global Growth Strategies

November 29, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Justin Murakami, COO of Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants (Photo: Business Wire)

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants proudly announce the promotion of Justin Murakami to Chief Operating Officer, recognizing his exemplary contributions and leadership in steering operational growth and innovation. His promotion signals a pivotal phase in executing Sprinkles’ growth strategies domestically and internationally.

Dan Mesches, President and CEO of Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants, lauded Justin’s appointment, affirming, “Justin’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success, especially in expanding Sprinkles’ global footprint and Picnik’s domestic expansion. We’re confident that under Justin’s leadership, we’ll continue to exceed expectations, scale efficiently, and solidify our position as industry leaders.”

Since joining Sprinkles in 2017, Justin swiftly became an integral part of the company’s evolution. His instrumental role in developing and implementing foundational systems and processes laid the groundwork in expanding the brand’s physical footprint with both company-owned and franchised locations, domestically and internationally. Notably, under his stewardship, Justin took the brand’s iconic cupcake ATMs beyond their brick and mortar locales and launched the non-traditional Cupcake ATM business. With over 50 ATMs and counting, Sprinkles ATMs can be found in airports, malls and lifestyle centers across the country. Justin was also instrumental in the successful launch of Sprinkles’ National Shipping Program, creating another channel for significant growth.

With an impressive career spanning 25 years in the hospitality sector, Justin has navigated through the ranks starting as a host, then becoming a GM at the Cheesecake Factory to an Area Director overseeing multiple brands with Lettuce Entertain You and Hopdoddy Burger Bar. His vast experience has honed his abilities and insights, propelling him to craft and fortify infrastructures conducive to sustained business growth.

As Chief Operating Officer, Murakami will lead operations, training, supply chain, culinary, franchise operations, and new bakery and restaurant openings. His responsibilities include partnering with cross-functional departments, identifying opportunities and gaps, formulating and implementing robust processes and systems to ensure scalability and ease for the team.

Justin Murakami expressed his enthusiasm about the promotion, stating, “Assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer at Sprinkles and Picnik is a tremendous honor. I am devoted to leveraging our team’s strengths, harnessing operational excellence, and charting a growth trajectory that maintains our commitment to exceptional guest experiences. I am excited about the opportunity to not only drive innovation and sustainable expansion for our business, but to continue nurturing and developing the people I work with every day.”

ABOUT SPRINKLES

Sprinkles offers premium cupcakes, cakes and cookies that are baked fresh in small batches throughout the day and handcrafted with only the finest ingredients. Sprinkles opened its first bakery in Beverly Hills in 2005, drawing long lines of loyal cupcake fans and celebrity endorsements. Passionate innovators, in 2012, Sprinkles debuted the world’s first Cupcake ATM and has grown to over 70 bakeries and ATMs coast to coast. In 2021, Sprinkles launched its first ever line of chocolates inspired by the iconic cupcakes’ best-selling flavors. For additional information and a list of future locations, please visit www.sprinkles.com.