World of Beer names Ken Cruley CFO

Tampa, Fla.-based World of Beer has named Ken Cruley chief financial officer and Terry Haley vice president of marketing.

The executives will join the brand at a moment of rapid growth, as the beer-focused chain starts to test a limited “Tavern Fare” menu and cocktails to its offering of more than 500 local and craft beers.

Most recently, Cruley was chief financial officer for First Watch Restaurants, a 105-unit breakfast and lunch concept also based in Florida. Previously he had been a senior audit manager for Deloitte & Touche.

Haley’s career includes executive roles with P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. and brewer SABMiller, where his responsibilities included marketing the Foster’s and Leinenkugel’s beer brands. While working with the Miller Genuine Draft brand, Haley was named to Brandweek’s “Marketer of the Next Generation” list and Advertising Age’s “30 Under 30” list for up-and-coming marketing executives.

“I am exceptionally fortunate that Terry and Ken have joined our dynamic WOB team,” chief executive Paul Avery said in a statement. “Their proven leadership capabilities will complement our existing momentum significantly.”

Avery, former chief operating officer of Outback Steakhouse Inc., told Nation’s Restaurant News last year that the tavern concept would be expanding to Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey over the near term, with possible international expansion down the line.

“The opportunity to work at World of Beer is exciting, as they experience rapid growth throughout the U.S.,” Cruley said in a statement. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to the team and working with industry leaders that have taken this company to the next level.”

Haley added: “World of Beer is a tremendous concept, positioned perfectly to meet consumers seeking global craft-beer experiences. I’m thrilled to join the team and continue building the brand.”

Since opening its first store in 2007, World of Beer has grown to 52 locations in 16 states.

Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @Mark_from_NRN