FROM THE WOLF DEN

1) Papa Johns Names Kevin Vasconi as Chief Digital Officer

Prior to being a part ofThe Wendy’s Company, Mr. Vasconi spent eight years at Domino’s as EVP and Chief Information Officer, where he was responsible for developing and growing its domestic and international ecommerce businesses. 

He has a 35+ year career in technology, including 12 years at Ford Motor Company, and CIO and CTO roles at Covisint LLC, Polk North America, Polk Global Automotive, and Stanley Black & Decker.

2) Red Lobster Emerging From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Now 56 years old, Orlando-based Red Lobster will continue to operate as an independent company after the acquisition is finalized. The chain will welcome a new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, former chief executive of the P.F. Chang’s restaurant franchise. 

Fortress chose Adamolekun to head RL Investor Holdings, the entity that was created for the Red Lobster acquisition.

3) Chipotle and Spirit Halloween Team Up For Costume Collection

“Our popular Halloween tradition, Boorito, began with a burrito-themed costume contest and now we’re taking it to the next level with the launch of our first-ever costume collection in collaboration with Spirit Halloween,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer at Chipotle. “In addition to these bodysuits, we will be treating fans to a scarily great offer next month.”

EXTRA SAUCE 💥

RNR Tire Express Hires Aurea Salaberrios as National Marketing Director: RNR Tire Express (RNR) has announced the addition of Aurea Salaberrios to the company’s leadership team as the National Marketing Director.

An experienced marketing professional in the automotive space, Aurea comes to RNR following four years as the sales and marketing director of an automotive franchise. Prior to her time in the franchising space, she worked in the marketing department for a mega church as well as Safelite Auto Glass. Her career in the auto industry began in staffing for automotive manufacturing doing sales and marketing. With prior experience in the automotive marketing space, Salaberrios is able to immediately join the team and contribute to the growth of the brand.

Hand & Stone Appoints Sherrill Kaplan as its First Chief Revenue Officer: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa announced the addition of Sherrill Kaplan to its executive leadership team as the brand’s first-ever Chief Revenue Officer. With extensive experience driving revenue growth and propelling digital transformation across multiple industries, Kaplan will be responsible for enhancing Hand & Stone’s brand and customer experience, implementing strategies to drive significant systemwide sales growth.

“Kaplan’s deep expertise in digital marketing, loyalty programs, and data-driven strategies will be instrumental as we continue expanding our brand and elevating the customer experience across all touch points,” said John Teza, CEO of Hand & Stone. “With her innovative approach and proven track record, we’re confident she will drive meaningful growth and bring fresh perspectives to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Hand & Stone family and look forward to achieving great success together.”

Build-A-Bear Scores New Partnership Deal with Super Bowl LVIII Champion Kansas City Chiefs: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. announced today an exclusive multi-year deal with the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Build-A-Bear will be the presenting partner of both the popular team mascot, “KC Wolf,” and the Chiefs digital Fan Cam experience focused on game attendees tagging themselves in a high-resolution, full-stadium picture as well as locating a Build-A-Bear in the stands during each home game for the chance to win a special prize. This collaBEARation between the two Missouri-based organizations also makes Build-A-Bear the “official bear” brand of the storied team.

“We believe this multi-dimensional relationship underscores the winning formula that has been created between the two organizations, and adding the Kansas City Chiefs, our corporate “home team,” to the roster is clearly a touchdown,” added Chris Hurt, Chief Operating Officer of Build-A-Bear.