Mr. James R. Walker
Chief Development Officer, The Brass Tap, USA

Mr. Walker has over 20 years of broad based, senior level, management experience in the hospitality and retail industry, and has conducted business in a wide range of global markets. Specific skill sets include Mergers & Acquisitions, Development (Domestic & International), Operations, and Research & Development. Major positions have included stints in the roles of President, Chief Development Officer, as well as Senior Operations and Research & Development positions. Mr. Walker has spent time with such brands as Baja Fresh®, Cinnabon®, and Sweet Factory®. Prior to joining Beef 'O' Brady’s® in June of 2010, Mr. Walker was the Chief Development Officer of Fresh Brands® located in Cypress, CA where he oversaw Franchise Operations as well as Development for a number of brands including Baja Fresh®, La Salsa®, and Canyons Burger Company®. 

Prior to Fresh Brands® Mr. Walker held the Presidents position with then Thousand Oaks CA based Baja Fresh®, where he was instrumental in the acquisition of the brand from Wendy’s®.

From 2004 to 2007 Mr. Walker was the President of CinnaWorkS® / Sweet Factory® based in Anaheim CA. The role encompassed CinnaWorkS®, the largest Franchisee of Cinnabon®, as well as the Franchisor of Sweet Factory®, the Nation’s largest bulk candy retailer.

Mr. Walker holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and has attended and received certificates and diplomas from a number of Culinary Institutions.

Mr. Walker lives in Wesley Chapel Florida with his wife Sarah, and has 5 children.