Golden Corral Corp. has named Paul “Skip” Hanke as its chief marketing officer, the company announced Thursday.
The Raleigh, N.C.-based buffet restaurant chain said Hanke, left, most recently served as executive director of brand marketing at Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, a division of Dine Brands Global Inc.
“He comes at the perfect time as we continue to launch innovative initiatives like our virtual brand and drive-thru service and build incredible positive comp sales momentum as we move into next year,” said Lance Trenary, Golden Corral’s president and CEO, said in a statement.
At Applebee’s, Hanke had responsibility for brand strategy, menu and product innovation, marketing calendar development and creative direction to partner agencies. Hanke previously served as Applebee’s media director.
Prior to joining Applebee’s, Hanke worked at the Procter & Gamble Co.
“The past 21 months have been very difficult for restaurants across the board, but Golden Corral persevered, and continues to thrive as America’s No. 1 buffet,” Hanke said. “The brand innovated and evolved in order to offer the best experience possible for guests, both off-premises and in our welcoming dining rooms.”
Golden Corral was founded in 1973.
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