David McDougall is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Back Yard Burgers, Inc.  a better burger restaurant company based in Nashville, TN.  The brand has been in business since 1987, operating 81 company and franchise restaurants in fifteen states.  

McDougall background includes over 30 years of food service and franchise experience in both quick and full service specializing in operations, training and international business. He most recently was the Sr. Vice President of QSR Operations for NexCen Franchise Management, a multi brand franchise company based in Atlanta, GA. Brands under his leadership include Marble Slab Creamery, Maggie Moo Treatery, Pretzel Time, Pretzel Maker and Great American Cookies. With over 1200 locations in eleven countries and growing, responsibilities include Franchise Operations, Supply Chain, Training, and International.

Previous to NexCen Dave spent twelve years with Cinnabon in various positions, last as Vice President of Operations at FOCUS Brands, a multi concept company responsible for the Carvel and Cinnabon brands. Previous to that he was the Vice President of Operations for Cinnabon Inc, a division of AFC Enterprises, franchisor of Popeyes Chicken, Churchs Chicken, Cinnabon and Seattle Best Coffee. In 1999, McDougall became the Director of International Operations for Cinnabon, a start up division and was recognized by AFC at the end of that year with one of the  highest honors, the Spirit Award. McDougall had full service experience included a successful career with Dennys Restaurants.

He is a recent recipient of the prestigious Certified Franchise Executive designation (CFE) and is an active member of the International Franchise Association (IFA). In addition he is a board member of the Southeast Franchise Forum and an advisor to the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative.
