Fazoli’s this week named Donna Josephson its new chief marketing officer, as the Italian fast-casual chain makes several leadership changes in a bid to aggressively grow its brand.
Josephson came to Lexington, Ky.-based Fazoli’s from McAlister’s Deli, where she had also been chief marketing officer. She had worked with several brands for more than 20 years, including Wendy’s, Applebee’s Bar & Grill and Chick-fil-A.
In addition, Tom Pleiman joined Fazoli’s as vice president of company operations. Pleiman had previously held the same position with La Raza Pizza Inc., a Pizza Hut franchisee. Pleiman will oversee training and guest services.
Pleiman will replace Scott Sir Louis, who was named the new vice president of strategy and continuous improvement. He will work to develop new strategies at the 220-unit Fazoli’s.
Steve Bailey, meanwhile, was named senior director of franchise sales, a newly created position and the same job he had previously held with Sonic.
Sentinel Capital Partners acquired Fazoli’s last year and the company says the changes are part of a strategy to intensify growth at the franchise chain.
“Our goal is to make Fazoli’s better for our guests, our employees and our franchisees, which will in turn fuel our growth,” CEO Carl Howard said in a statement. “These individuals will all play an important role in accomplishing that, and we are thrilled to have them on board.”
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