Leaders prove critical to brand's aggressive
growth and guest experience strategies
ATHENS,
Ga., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zaxby's, the
premium quick-service restaurant brand founded in Athens, announced today that industry
franchising veteran Mike Mettler has
been named chief development officer, while former interim Chief
Digital & Technology Officer Mike
Nettles has been elevated to the position
long-term.
"These are seasoned executives who have achieved great success
within some of the most recognizable brands in our industry," said
Bernard Acoca, CEO. "With
development and digital strategies central to our growth, I am
confident that both are the right people to move our brand into the
next phase."
Mike Mettler brings with him
significant experience and expertise in the areas of franchise
recruitment and development. He joins Zaxby's from Orangetheory
Fitness where he has spent the past four years leading franchise
development, serving as chief development officer for the last
three. Prior roles include seven years in senior franchise
development for Dairy Queen and four years for Domino's Pizza.
"Zaxby's is focused on DMA prioritization, developing a more
robust recruitment platform and delivering options that provide
flexibility while maximizing profitability," Acoca said.
"Mike Mettler will guide these
targets, cultivate relationships and collaborate with our
franchisees to continue scaling the brand."
"Franchising growth requires four things," said Mettler. "A
strong business model, a solid culture, passionate franchise owners
and strategic areas to develop—Zaxby's has them all."
In addition, former interim Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Mike Nettles will move into the
position long term. Nettles joined the brand in 2021 with a focus
on developing a strong digital infrastructure that improves guest
experience. He is leading the development and design of the new
mobile app, loyalty program and ecommerce platform that are set to
launch in summer 2022.
"Mike Nettles has made incredible
strides in advancing our efforts to provide guests with a
personalized digital experience," Acoca said. "We are thrilled to
welcome him as a long-term addition to our executive leadership
team and look forward to fully transforming the Zaxby's guest
experience under his leadership."
Prior to Zaxby's, Nettles spent thirty years in the retail and
hospitality sectors, holding leadership positions at Papa John's
and Panera Bread where he was responsible for leading the technical
design, development and implementation of digital and in-store
assets.
"We are working to remove all the friction between our guests
and their cravings to the point where the tech is totally
transparent and entirely under their control," said Nettles.
"Zaxby's has had a great ride thus far, but digital accessibility
will be our 'secret sauce' for the next phase of our fantastic
growth story."
About Zaxby's
Founded in 1990, Zaxby's is committed to
serving delicious chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads in
a fun, offbeat atmosphere where customers are considered friends.
For the second year in a row, Zaxby's iconic Signature Sandwich won
Thrillist's 2022 Fasties Award for Best Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Zaxby's has grown to more than 900 locations in 18 states and is
headquartered in Athens, Georgia.
For more information, visit zaxbys.com or
zaxbysfranchising.com.
Media Contact:
Jacob Teetzmann
Tombras
1.423.494.3673
jteetzmann@tombras.com
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SOURCE Zaxby's