Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has named Laura Rueckel chief marketing officer, the fast-casual announced Tuesday.
Before joining Freddy’s, Rueckel was vice president of marketing for Edible Brands where she oversaw national brand marketing, creative content, field marketing, merchandising and public relations. She has also worked in leadership roles with The Coca-Cola Company, Subway, Scklotzsky’s and The HoneyBaked Ham Company.
The appointment comes amid many changes at fast-growing Freddy’s, which last month promoted co-founder and longtime COO Scott Redler to the newly created role of chief experience officer.
In March, Kansas-based Freddy’s was sold to private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners.
The chain was founded in 2002 and now has more than 400 restaurants in 34 states. It is on track to open 20 more units before the end of the year, the chain said.
It has averaged nearly 22% annual system sales growth in the five years before the pandemic, according to data from Restaurant Business sister firm Technomic.
In addition to Rueckel, Freddy’s hired Erin Walter as vice president of brand marketing and promoted Jill Tinsley to director of communications.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Freddy’s, and with these latest additions to our leadership team, we’re positioned to continue accelerating all of the momentum achieved over the past several years to reach new heights,” CEO Chris Dull said in a statement.
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