BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its extensive growth plan, Zoës Kitchen today announced major additions to the company's executive leadership team. The company named Archie Andrews 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," said Kevin Miles, president and chief operating officer of Zoës Kitchen. "Our leadership team creates a solid foundation as the company continues to expand into new markets."
Archie 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 Brentwood Associates, a leading private equity firm. 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 company's addition of 16 locations in 2011. Andrews earned a Master of Business Administration and bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.
"Archie has been instrumental in Zoës' growth and his deep understanding of the brand is essential in building concepts that resonate with our core consumers," said Miles.
"I am proud to be a part of a dynamic brand like Zoës Kitchen," said Andrews. "The culture and leadership create a solid environment for quality work and the opportunity to bring simple and fresh food to communities' around the country is exciting."
As vice president of development for Zoës Kitchen, Allyn 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., a publicly held restaurant company with annual sales in excess of $1.2 billion, Taylor was instrumental in the company's strategic real estate planning and contract negotiations.
Rachel 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 polished 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, North Carolina and Columbus, Georgia, in the first quarter.
About Zoës Kitchen
Zoës Kitchen, a modern, fast-casual restaurant concept founded in 1995, has 57 retail locations spanning across the U.S. in 12 states. Zoës' menu features Mediterranean-inspired comfort food with made-from-scratch recipes using fresh ingredients. Zoës is a wholesome place to eat for families and people with active lifestyles. The company is built upon a philosophy of balanced and healthy living including spending time with family and friends over simple, tasty and freshly prepared food. Learn more at ZoesKitchen.com or at Facebook.com/ZoesKitchen.
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