Kitchen United is tapping a former marketing expert for Wendy's and Papa John's as its CMO.
Katie Wollrich will oversee all marketing operations at the fast-growing ghost kitchen provider as it looks to expand to 500 outlets over the next five years.
Wollrich will play a big role in shaping the company's consumer-facing brand, Kitchen United Mix. But she'll also work on marketing the company to restaurant partners and other businesses.
"As we progress into a new phase of growth, it is critical that we add to our leadership team someone with a proven track record of success in sales and marketing that is complemented by passion for the work and an ability to lead," said Kitchen United CEO Michael Montagano in a statement.
Wollrich spent five years at Wendy's, where she led its "Deliciously Different" ad campaign, among other initiatives. She then spent a year at Papa John's as VP of marketing and advertising before becoming CMO of Schulte Hospitality Group, owner of the growing Joella's Hot Chicken brand, in 2018.
Katie Wollrich / Photograph courtesy of Kitchen United
"I’m incredibly proud to join Kitchen United and lead the company into an exciting new era of development," Wollrich said in a statement. "The ability to mix and match food in one order is a win for both the customer and the kitchens. I'm excited to bring my marketing and advertising experience to the team and increase brand awareness and sales for us and our restaurant partners."
Pasadena, Calif.-based Kitchen United is coming off a $100 million investment from a group including Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International, Kroger and the owner of Circle K.
Its Mix locations allow customers to order from a variety of restaurants on a single ticket, either online or in-person, for delivery or pickup. Kitchen United is also licensing its technology to mall food courts and even tightly grouped clusters of restaurants to enable the same mix-and-match ability.
It currently has about 30 locations operating or in the works nationwide.
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