Parrish and Whittle take on new roles as the chain presses forward with its new prototype.

Hooters of America appointed Jim Parrish chief operations officer and Mark Whittle vice president of North American franchise development.

A member of the Hooters of America executive committee since April 2013, Parrish is now responsible for U.S. and Canadian operations, which include approximately 190 company-owned and franchised locations. Whittle joined Hooters in June 2013 and is responsible for all aspects of franchise sales, franchise and corporate real estate, strategic growth planning and strategy for new development in the United States and Canada.

The announcement comes as Hooters America is in the midst of rolling out a new restaurant prototype. Earlier this year Hooters introduced a new contemporary design in a remodeled location in Kirby, Texas, and in a newly built location in Slidell, La.

Both executives are helping lead the company's remodeling and expansion initiatives with more than 150 new locations planned within the next five years. By the end of the year, Hooters plans to refresh or remodel a total of 18 locations, with additional plans to refresh more than 120 Hooters locations over the next few years, according to a company release. Overall growth plans include development of more than 150 new Hooters locations worldwide over the next five years.