Our story begins in the late 1990’s, Don Wollan, President of Paradigm, was in search to acquire and grow the Hardee’s restaurant concept. Through the creation of four operating companies (now collapsed into Paradigm), the Company acquired 14 restaurants in Springfield, IL in December 1999, 42 restaurants in Mobile, Biloxi and Pensacola in February 2000 and 64 restaurants in Huntsville and Montgomery, AL in October 2000.
Through a series of divestitures, closures, acquisitions and new store development spanning a 22 year period, the Company today owns 82 Hardee’s restaurants in Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile, AL, Pensacola, FL, Panama City, FL and Biloxi, MS. In 2009, Paradigm was honored as recipient of the prestigious Wilbur Hardee Founder’s Award as the top franchisee in the Hardee’s system. In 2010, the Paradigm was honored as the top franchisee in the entire CKE chain of restaurants (including all Carl’s and Hardee’s Franchisees). In 2011 & 2012, Paradigm was recognized as the first company in CKE’s history to win back to back awards as Developer of the Year across both brands.
Don Wollan, President
Don Wollan has been in the restaurant industry for over 35 years with experience in all segments of the industry ranging from quick service restaurants (QSR) to casual dining to upscale offerings. Mr. Wollan began his career working his way up through the Burger King system. In his last position with BK corporate, Mr. Wollan served as regional VP overseeing 535 restaurants located throughout the southwestern U.S. In the late 1980’s Wollan left BK corporate to become a franchisee with the purchase of 4 units in the San Diego area. Over the next 10 years, Don acquired, developed, and ultimately sold over 100 Burger King franchised restaurants throughout the country with great success. In 1994, Don also became a franchisee in the TGI Friday’s concept in the San Antonio area. In 1999, he created his very own award-winning steakhouse, Donovan’s Steak & Chop House, with locations in San Diego, CA (2) and Phoenix, AZ (1).