GoTo Foods, formerly known as Focus Brands, has named Donna Spangler-Josephson as the new chief brand officer for its Schlotzsky’s brand. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing marketing and operations strategies with a goal of driving financial growth and franchise success.
She most recently served as the chief marketing officer for Shipley Do-Nuts and, prior, held the CMO role at Fazoli’s and Corner Bakery Café. Spangler-Josephson has also held leadership roles at Wendy’s, Applebee’s, and Chick-fil-A. With her new role, she returns to GoTo Foods, where she previously served as vice president of marketing for the company’s McAlister’s brand from 2012 to 2016.
“Donna has had an impressive career in the restaurant industry and brings extensive knowledge of marketing and operations to the Schlotzsky’s brand. Her leadership will be invaluable as the brand accelerates sales growth and development expansion. With Donna at the helm, Schlotzsky’s is in great, capable hands,” Shelley Harris, restaurant category president at GoTo Foods, said in a statement.
Focus Brands rebranded to GoTo Foods in February. In addition to Schlotzsky’s and McAlister’s, the company also includes Jamba, Cinnabon, Carvel, Auntie Anne’s, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. The goal with the rebranding is to eventually break down most silos between those seven brands and share resources, personnel and technology.
Schlotzsky’s has been a part of the company since 2006. The deli chain finished 2023 with nearly $60.6 million in sales, a 4.3% increase year over year, according to Technomic data. It also had 317 locations, a -2.8% decrease from 2022.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
