Emerging fast casual Joella’s Hot Chicken has hired former Inspire Brands executive Tye Pollak as chief operating officer, the company announced Tuesday.
Pollak will oversee operations and growth initiatives for the Louisville-based 19-unit brand.
Pollak had served as senior director of operations for Inspire, leading operations at more than 70 Arby’s units across six states.
“Tye is a well-respected leader in the restaurant operations industry, and we look forward to tapping into his expertise to strategically grow the Joella’s brand,” chain President Ray Schulte said in a statement. “His more than 25 years of experiences working in positions ranging from assistant manager to senior director level make him the perfect mentor to build our team to a successful model that delights each and every guest, each and every visit.”
Joella’s started in 2015 and has grown quickly from its start in a former gas station building. The chain is known for serving its chicken at six varying heat levels, from mild to “fire-in-da-hole.”
Joella’s came in at No. 17 on Restaurant Business’ latest list of the country’s fastest growing small chains. It had three-year average sales growth of 28.6% and average unit volume in 2020 of nearly $1.2 million, according to data from RB sister firm, Technomic.
“Joella’s has the potential to attract a fan base nationwide, and my goal is to simply do just that,” Pollak said in a statement.
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