Franchising veteran comes over from Le Duff.

Fast-casual chain FREEBIRDS World Burrito named Chris Cheek vice president, franchise development. In this newly created position, Cheek will work to find selective franchisee partners across the country.

FREEBIRDS intends to have no more than two dozen operators in the United States that exclusively own their preferred geographic territory, according to a company release. These territories will support a minimum of 10 FREEBIRDS and will average closer to 40.

Cheek most recently served as the vice president of franchise development for Le Duff America Inc., working with such concepts as Bruegger's bakery-cafés, Timothy's World Coffee, Michel's Bakery Cafes, la Madeleine Country French Café and Brioche Doree. Prior to Le Duff, Cheek served as the vice president for franchise development for Bear Rock Franchise Systems, Inc.