Merritt. Croker is Director and Executive VP of Franchise Venture Associates, LLC, which provides consulting, sales, and development assistance to growing franchise companies seeking to expand and reach critical mass. Additionally, Mr. Croker is involved with all aspects of Brand Development and Real Estate Development for 1080 Teles.

Mr. Croker has 30 years of franchise experience, specializing in both hospitality development and operations, and has spent 15+ years living and working internationally.  Merritt started Lookin’ East Services, Inc., a consulting company, in 2002.  Mr. Croker served as Sr. VP International Business for Carlson/TGI Friday’s Worldwide, and managed the Corporate side of the business for five years and negotiated and developed franchise and JV relationships in S. Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, New Zealand and Australia.  .  He also developed Outback Steakhouse, and Italianni’s restaurants in Manila and Hong Kong.  
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Merritt co-created a full service concept in Hong Kong called “Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill”.  

Domestically, Merritt has developed and managed full service and fast casual restaurants brands. He graduated summa cum laude from the College of New Jersey and won a graduate scholarship to Syracuse University