Scooter’s Coffee has announced that Joe Thornton will be appointed as the company’s next CEO, effective 1 January 2024. Thornton currently serves as the company’s President, and will succeed Todd Graeve who will retire after serving as CEO since 2016.
“Joe has been a blessing for our business since joining as President,” says Scooter’s Coffee Co-Founder and Chairman Don Eckles.
“He’s an exceptionally experienced leader in the restaurant, franchise and retail industry, and I know Joe is the right leader for us in our next acceleration of growth.”
Thornton says he is honoured to continue the leadership legacy and lead Scooter’s Coffee into the future in support of its franchisees and employees.
“The family roots, core values and stability of this company are unmatched,” he says.
Thornton brings 40 years of leadership experience in large-scale operations, strategy, and Human Resources at a range of companies, including most recently as COO of HMSHost and, prior to that, COO at Jamba Juice.
“I knew this company was special from the moment that I arrived, and I have a deep commitment to ensure that we continue to build an enduring brand,” Thornton says.
Thornton previously spent 25 years combined at Starbucks and Blockbuster in executive leadership roles.
Todd Graeve joined Scooter’s Coffee in 2005 as a franchisee and developer in Kansas City. In 2008, he joined the leadership team as CFO, a role he served for eight years before transitioning to CEO in April 2016.
“During this exciting time and planned transition, I also must acknowledge the incredible impact Todd had on the company,” says Eckles. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.”
The remainder of 2023 will serve as a transitional period for both Thornton and Graeve.
“Almost 20 years ago, I started on this journey at Scooter’s Coffee as a franchisee, and I’m so excited to circle back to my beginnings and help my family with their Scooter’s Coffee franchise journey,” says Graeve.