Zaxby’s Operating Co. L.P. has named Mike Nettles as interim chief digital and technology officer, the company said Tuesday.
The Athens, Ga.-based quick-service brand said Nettles most recently served as chief operating and growth officer at Papa John’s International Inc. Zaxby’s added that it was the first chief digital and technology position in the company’s 31-year history.
Nettles, left, reports directly to Zaxby’s founder and CEO Zach McLeroy.
“Zaxby’s is coming off a year of record sales in unprecedented circumstances,” said McLeroy in a statement.
At the end of 2020, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division completed its acquisition of a “significant stake" in Zaxby’s Operating Co.
“We’re positioned now for exponential growth with our partner Goldman Sachs,” McLeroy said. “Mike’s expertise enables us to enhance both team-member and guest experience through technology.”
Prior to Papa John’s, Nettles worked with Panera Bread as vice president of architecture and information technology strategy, where he was responsible for leading the technical design, development and implementation of digital and in-store assets.
“I’ve spent 30 years in the hospitality and retail sectors, and I believe that people are what drive our business,” Nettles said. “I’m eager to leverage Zaxby’s heightened emphasis on digital offerings to grow business across its current and future footprint.”
In his new role with Zaxby’s, Nettles will oversee information technology for both corporate and restaurant systems, focusing on store technology, data centralization, architecture and change management.
Nettles will prioritize the recently revamped loyalty program, Zax Fanz Club.
Zaxby’s has more than 900 restaurants, serving chicken fingers, wings and sauces, in 17 Southeastern states. It was founded in 1990 by childhood friends McLeroy and Tony Townley.
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