Marketing

Golden Corral names Skip Hanke CMO

The former Applebee’s executive will take over marketing for the North Carolina-based buffet chain.
Golden Corral CMO
Photograph: Shutterstock
Skip Hanke

Golden Corral recently named Skip Hanke the chain’s new chief marketing officer.

Hanke comes to the Raleigh, N.C.-based buffet chain from Applebee’s, where he worked on brand strategy, product innovation, marketing calendar and creative direction. He had previously served as media director.

Before Applebee’s, Hanke worked with Procter & Gamble.

Lance Trenary, Golden Corral’s CEO, said Hanke is an “excellent fit” who will have an “impact” on the brand. “He comes at the perfect time as we continue to launch innovative initiatives like our virtual brand and drive-thru service,” Trenary said.

Golden Corral is the country’s largest buffet chain, with more than 400 locations. The company has been working on a number of strategies to get consumers interested in the concept again after the pandemic.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

With CosMc's, McDonald's shows its risk-taking side

The Bottom Line: The first unit of McDonald’s opened to long lines in its first two days. The concept proves that the company can get attention. And it’s willing to take some chances.

Financing

Big restaurant chains get aggressive on unit growth

The Bottom Line: Yum Brands, McDonald’s and Domino’s are all making a big push to accelerate growth. Most of it will come outside the U.S. But they have domestic plans, too.

Financing

Chris Kempczinski changes his tune on restaurant automation

The Bottom Line: While noting that humans will continue to drive restaurants, the McDonald’s CEO notes that the calculus on automation gets closer as labor costs soar.

Trending

More from our partners