Pizza Inn parent Rave Restaurant Group paid CEO Brandon Solano $780,252 in total compensation in 2025 — down from $843,058 in 2024 and $886,700 in 2023 — and the chief executive now claims the board denied him raises because of his race and national origin.

Solano, who leads both Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza as CEO of Rave, filed a formal complaint with the board in August. In it, he accused the board of directors, the compensation committee and Chairman Mark Schwarz of workplace harassment, intimidation and discrimination. He also filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission.

The dispute centers on money.

What did Solano ask for?

In August, Solano requested a substantial increase in salary, bonus and equity compensation, plus a seat on Rave's board. He asserts the company denied him salary increases that other Rave employees and executive team members received, and attributes that denial to his race and national origin.

The company said his proposal would have eventually raised his annual compensation to about $2.3 million by fiscal 2029 — roughly 2.5 times his requested fiscal 2027 level. Board Chair Mark Schwarz told Solano the board could discuss the proposal but called it a "non-starter."

Four days after that response, Solano emailed his formal complaint to the board and requested an external investigation.

How has Rave responded?

Rave engaged the Hagan Law Group on Sept. 1 to conduct the investigation. The Texas Workforce Commission has not yet issued an update on the claim.

In October 2025, Rave's compensation committee approved a raise, lifting Solano's base salary from $350,000 to $370,000 annually, with increases to his potential bonus and stock awards. Under his employment agreement, he can now earn up to $555,000 in incentive compensation, split between cash and restricted stock. His contract also includes a 12-month noncompete covering the pizza business after his employment ends.

From 2020 through 2025, Solano received about $4.3 million in total compensation.

In a 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the board said it "takes any claim of harassment or discrimination very seriously and is reviewing the available information and will determine what actions, if any, are warranted after the Independent Investigation is completed and we have had the opportunity to review and respond to the Texas Workforce Claim."

The company added that the claim and "other pending actions" are covered by insurance and would not have a "material adverse effect" on results if an unfavorable decision is made.

Who is Brandon Solano?

Solano became CEO in October 2019 after serving as chief marketing and digital officer of Pei Wei Asian Kitchen. He began his career in 2008 at Domino's Pizza, where he held the roles of vice president of innovation and, later, VP of development.

What does this change for Rave? For now, the operator of two franchised pizza brands continues under its sitting CEO while an outside law firm investigates — with the Texas Workforce Commission's finding still pending, and insurance in place should the decision go against the company.