News

2 fast casuals add experienced CMOs to help fuel growth

October 19, 2016

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill and Slim Chickens have each added a chief marketing officer to help grow their brands.

Steven Goldstein, who has spent the past nine years leading business development and client management at The Culinary Edge, joined Sharky's, while Slim Chickens tapped industry veteran Mark Mears to lead its marketing team.

Goldstein will oversee brand and menu evolution as Sharky's expands outside of its Southern California roots into new markets, including Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Northern California, said Steven Paperno, founder and CEO. 

"Steven's commitment to execution and brand strategy is a welcome addition to a growing Sharky's brand," he said. "David Goldstein, COO, and I believe that Steven will help establish and grow Sharky's as a brand that offers current and future guests ways to eat deliciously, providing quality nutrition and satisfaction in equal measure, or in the ratio each person seeks at each meal occasion. Above all, Steven is committed to our vision to offer guests the opportunity to ‘Feel Good About Eating' realized in our distinctive menu and premium fast casual dining experience."

Mears, who over his 30-year career has worked for Noodles & Company, Schlotzsky's, Mimi's Cafe and The Cheesecake Factory, is leading the marketing charge at Slim Chickens, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The 13-year old chain, which now has more than 40 locations in 10 states, plans to grow to 600 locations in the next 10 years, according to a company release.

"My passion is in building unique and differentiated brands, and with Slim Chickens, the foundation is solidly in place," Mears said. "Slim Chickens is already an innovative leader in the better chicken category within the fast casual segment, offering genuine down-home Southern Hospitality and a music driven, fun and energetic dining experience

"My goal is to coalesce our brand story and drive sales growth to help achieve our full potential."

Mears said he joined the Slim Chickens team for a number of reasons, but above all, he was drawn to the brand's unique culture founded upon its purpose-driven mission.

"Slim Chickens' commitment to the concept of ‘life-changing chicken' is what interested me most about the brand," he said. "It drives our daily mission, and it also serves as an incredible platform for growth. In the hospitality industry, we have a moral and corporate responsibility to give back to the communities where we live, work and play."