Killer Burger, the Portland, Oregon-based chain, known for its peanut butter-pickle-bacon burger, has a new CEO. Adam Sanders, previously the 24-unit chain’s CFO, is moving to the CEO seat, according to a post on LinkedIn. He replaces John Dikos, who last year was named CEO of Great Harvest Bread Co. Sanders, who has been CFO at the fast-casual chain for three years, worked previously at Anheuser Busch, as well as Craft Brands Alliance and Moss Adams. Almost entirely in the Pacific Northwest, Killer Burger last year reportedly moved into Texas for the first time with founder T.J. Southard operating as a franchisee.
Meghan Farren, Taco Bell
Taco Bell has named Meghan Farren president of its North America division. She will start the new job effective Feb. 10. Farren is currently general manager of the UK and Ireland market for Taco Bell’s sister chain KFC. She will oversee the North America market for Taco Bell.
Brian Krause, Panera Bread
Panera Bread has named Brian Krause to the role of chief development officer. Krause worked previously at GoTo Foods, where he oversaw growth for the seven brands in that portfolio: Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s, Cinnabon, Carvel and McAlister’s Deli. Before that, he was chief development officer for Jimmy John’s, and he has also worked with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Atlanta-based GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands), made a number of changes to its executive team earlier this month. Among them:
Shelley Harris, previously the president of the restaurant category at GoTo Foods, has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Bobby Morena, previously senior vice president of franchise development, is the company’s new chief development officer.
Mike Freeman, who was chief brand officer for McAlister’s Deli, is now president, brands, and will oversee strategy, financial performance, operations and marketing for McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s, Schlotzsky’s, Auntie Anne’s and Jamba, as well as the portfolio of company units.
Urvi Patel, who was previously senior vice president of customer experience & engagement, is the new SVP, brands & chief brand officer for Cinnabon, and she also oversees the Carvel brand.
Danielle Parra, previously SVP, marketing, is GoTo Foods’ new chief brand officer for McAlister’s Deli.
Kordell Snyder, Layne's Chicken Fingers
Kordell Snyder is the new director of real estate for Layne’s Chicken Fingers. He was previously a tenant representative broker in Austin, Texas, and will serve as the central coordinator between franchisees, their brokers and the Layne’s team.
Meredith Jones is the new vice president of franchise development and design for A&W Restaurants. She has served in franchise development leadership previously for brands like Caribou Coffee, Inspire Brands and TheCoderSchool. She also founded Two Chicks consulting, which supported franchisor growth for emerging brands.
Church’s Texas Chicken made two recent appointments:
Navin Sharma, Church's Texas Chicken
Navin Sharma has been named chief marketing officer, replacing Natalia Franco, current EVP and CMO, who announced plans to retire at the end of January. Sharma was a founding partner of Datacraft Advisors, a marketing and digital advisory firm, and has served in leadership at Inspire Brands and Arby’s Restaurant Group.
Alisa Cleek, Church's Texas Chicken
Alisa Cleek is the new chief legal officer and corporate secretary at Church’s. She was previously chief legal officer at Hooters of America.
Big Chicken has brought in Bobby Shaw as vice president of operations. Shaw served most recently with the growing ice cream brand Salt & Straw, but he has served as an executive at Freebirds World Burrito, Sheridan’s Unforked, and he spent a decade with Chipotle, at one point overseeing 228 locations. He also founded a consulting firm that worked with brands like Wahlburgers, Salad & Go, and Teriyaki Madness.
Savory, the private-equity firm behind the Swig and Via 313 brands, among others, has promoted Jessica Moyer to chief restaurant officer, and Alonso Castañeda to chief concept officer. Moyer has been with Savory for eight years and has been pivotal in developing its leadership training institute and scaling operations. Castaneda has been with the firm for a decade and was president of the Pincho brand.
Jim Zielke, Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Jim Zielke is the new CFO for Krispy Krunchy Chicken. He brings more than 30 years experience, but served most recently as CFO for Viva Chicken Holdings LLC. Before that, he was CFO of Good Times Restaurants Inc., and held leadership positions at the parent company of Fox & Hound, and Champps Restaurant Brands.
Kimberly Bean, Perkins American Food
Perkins American Food Co. announced Kimberly Bean as the new VP of marketing. She has more than 20 years experience in the restaurant industry, previously with senior roles at Papa Johns, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Bloomin' Brands, where she led marketing initiatives that contributed to sustained sales growth, operational efficiencies and branded innovation.
BJ’s Restaurants announced that Putnam Shin has left his role as chief growth and innovation officer. The company did not give a reason for the departure. Shin had been with the casual-dining chain for a little over two years. Before that, he spent eight years with theme park company Merlin Entertainments.
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