Slavi Hristov

Entrepreneurial Business Leader | Retail, Hospitality, Real Estate & Franchise Development

About

Highly accomplished and entrepreneurial business leader with over 15 years of progressive experience driving growth and market expansion across retail, hospitality, and real estate development. Proven expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and franchise development, consistently delivering measurable results from scaling national restaurant chains to pioneering innovative food park concepts. Adept at cultivating high-value partnerships and leading cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious business objectives.

Work Experience

Senior Sales Rep

Bolt Food

Apr 2024 - Jun 2024

Currently expanding Bolt Food's merchant network, driving significant partnership growth across key regional markets.

  • Successfully onboarded over 50 new partners within the first two months, including high-value Tier I and II merchants, significantly broadening market reach and platform offerings.

Founder & CEO

NewCo

Jan 2023 - Jun 2024

As Founder & CEO of NewCo, led strategic consulting for diverse businesses across digital sales, real estate, and hospitality, driving growth and market penetration.

  • Provided expert strategic guidance and consulting to a diverse portfolio of clients in digital sales, F&B, commercial real estate, and franchising, optimizing business models.
  • Cultivated high-value partnerships with prominent entities such as Starbucks, Business Park Sofia, and iTower Sofia, enhancing client portfolios and market reach.
  • Developed and implemented effective tenant mix strategies for commercial real estate projects, maximizing occupancy and revenue for clients.

Founder & CEO

Quartal Food Park

Jan 2020 - Jan 2023

Conceptualized, launched, and scaled Quartal Food Park, establishing it as a leading food industry player in Sofia before a successful exit.

  • Conceptualized and launched a groundbreaking food park venture, successfully scaling to three locations encompassing over 9,000 m².
  • Secured and managed relationships with 55 diverse tenants, achieving full occupancy and establishing a vibrant culinary hub.
  • Drove brand development from inception, positioning Quartal Food Park as a leading innovator and key player in the local food industry.
  • Orchestrated a successful exit from the venture in early 2023, validating the business model and demonstrating strong ROI.

General Manager & Partner

Boom! Burgers

Jan 2015 - Dec 2020

Spearheaded the transformation of Boom! Burgers from a single location to a national chain with international expansion, driving significant growth and operational excellence.

  • Transformed Boom! Burgers from a single Sofia location into a thriving national chain, achieving significant market expansion.
  • Led international expansion efforts, establishing a presence in Lithuania and securing a prestigious location in the UAE.
  • Garnered multiple industry awards, enhancing brand reputation and market recognition.
  • Managed comprehensive operations, team leadership, and strategic growth initiatives, culminating in a successful exit in late 2020.

Franchise Owner

Subway Franchise Owner

Jan 2010 - Dec 2020

Acquired and successfully operated a Subway franchise, gaining extensive experience in franchise management, customer service, and business operations.

  • Successfully acquired and managed the daily operations of a Subway franchise located in Serdika Center, Sofia, for 10 years.
  • Implemented effective strategies to navigate operational challenges, ensuring sustained profitability and customer satisfaction.
  • Developed deep expertise in franchise management, encompassing inventory, staffing, sales, and local marketing, leading to a successful exit in 2020.

Education

Business Administration

University of Portsmouth

Sep 2003 - Jun 2007

Maths, IT

Beverley Grammar School

Sep 1998 - Jun 2001

Languages

English , Bulgarian

Skills

Account Management

  • Client Relationship Management
  • Customer Retention
  • Sales Growth

Sales

  • Business Development
  • Negotiation
  • Revenue Generation
  • Market Expansion

Strategy

  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Strategy
  • Market Analysis
  • Growth Strategy

Commercial Real Estate

  • Property Development
  • Tenant Mix
  • Leasing
  • Site Selection

Food & Beverage

  • Restaurant Operations
  • Menu Development
  • Hospitality Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Marketing

  • Brand Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Campaign Management
  • Market Positioning

Franchising

  • Franchise Operations
  • Franchise Development
  • Franchise Management
  • Compliance