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Zoës Kitchen names three new VPsZoës Kitchen names three new VPs

The fast-casual chain appointed new VPs of development and marketing, as well as a new VP of design and construction

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 17, 2012

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

Zoës Kitchen, the 57-unit Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual chain, has made three additions to its executive team.

The Birmingham, Ala.-based concept named Allyn Taylor vice president of development, Rachel Phillips-Luther vice president of marketing, and promoted Archie Andrews to vice president of design and construction.

Andrews, Phillips-Luther and Taylor join the executive team that includes Zoës president and chief operating officer Kevin Miles, chief financial officer Jason Morgan and vice president Tyre Stuckey.

Andrews joined Zoës Kitchen as an original owner in 1999 and became director of construction in 2007, when the company was acquired by private-equity firm Brentwood Associates.

Taylor, who will oversee the selection of Zoës’ new locations, previously worked in real estate planning for Panera Bread Co. and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

Phillips-Luther most recently oversaw marketing and branding for Kona Grill, and prior to that served as vice president of marketing for Champps Entertainment Inc.

Zoës Kitchen added 16 units in 2011, and has locations in 12 states. It plans in the first quarter of 2012 to open new restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth; Raleigh-Cary, N.C.; and Columbus, Ga.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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