News

Zoes Kitchen adds to executive leadership team

January 17, 2012

As part of its extensive growth plan, Zoës Kitchen has announced major additions to the company's executive leadership team. The company named Archie Andrews as vice president of design and construction, added former Panera Bread executive Allyn Taylor as vice president of development and Rachel Phillips-Luther as vice president of marketing.

Andrews, Taylor and Phillips-Luther join Kevin Miles, president and chief operating officer, Jason Morgan, chief financial officer, and Tyre Stuckey, vice president, to form the company's executive leadership team.

"The completion of our executive team is a critical step in continuing to deliver industry-leading results and growing this highly differentiated fast casual concept," Miles said. "Our leadership team creates a solid foundation as the company continues to expand into new markets."

Andrews joined Zoës Kitchen as an original owner in 1999. Andrews took on the role of director of construction in 2007 after the company was acquired by private equity firm Brentwood Associates. Andrews was responsible for the design and development of Zoës new concept store, an endeavor that first launched in Atlanta in 2009. During the past four years, he has led the development of more than 30 stores, including the addition of 16 locations in 2011. Andrews earned a Master of Business Administration and bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

As vice president of development for Zoës Kitchen, Taylor will oversee the selection of the brand's new locations throughout the United States. Prior to joining Zoës Kitchen, Taylor was responsible for real estate planning and management functions for Panera Bread Company and P.F. Chang's China Bistro. As vice president at P.F.C.B. Inc., Taylor was instrumental in the company's strategic real estate planning and contract negotiations.

Phillips-Luther brings nearly 10 years of restaurant marketing experience to her role as vice president of marketing for Zoës Kitchen. She formerly led marketing and branding for Kona Grill, a casual dining concept with 25 locations in 16 states. Phillips-Luther also served as vice president of marketing for Champps Entertainment Inc., where she managed marketing efforts for the company's 48 restaurants in 18 states and franchise relations for the company's small franchise community.

In 2011, Zoës opened 16 stores reaching 57 locations in 12 states. The company plans continued expansion through 2012 with new restaurants slated to open in Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh-Cary, N.C., and Columbus, Ga., in the first quarter.