ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Restaurant Business this week named Paul Brown, CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG), the 2017 Restaurant Leader of the Year. The award recognizes the chain executive or multiconcept operator who has done the most outstanding job of stewarding his or her charge to greater success and opportunities.

The editors of Restaurant Business selected Brown for helping lead “one of the most dramatic restaurant turnarounds in decades.” From just four years ago, Arby’s average unit volume has increased more than 25 percent, bringing system sales to a record $3.6 billion, up nearly 20 percent from 2012.

“I want to thank the editors and staff of Restaurant Business for their strong vote of confidence in our brand,” said Brown. “Across our global operations, ARG and franchisee team members are inspired to help Arby’s continue to grow. While this recognition is a tremendous affirmation of just how far we’ve come, we’re really just getting started.”

The award will be presented to Brown during the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

About Arby’s®

Arby’s, founded in 1964, is the first nationally franchised sandwich restaurant brand, with more than 3,300 restaurants worldwide. The Arby’s brand purpose is “Inspiring Smiles Through Delicious Experiences®.” Arby’s restaurants feature Fast Crafted® service, a unique blend of quick-serve speed and value combined with the quality and made-for-you care of fast casual. Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the parent company of the franchisor of the Arby’s brand and is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Visit Arbys.com for more information.

With the current growth and momentum of the brand, Arby’s is actively seeking new franchisees. To learn more about available markets and requirements, visit DiscoverArbys.com.