The Houston-based salad chain Salata has promoted Michele Maerz to the role of president, replacing Michelle Bythewood, who is stepping down to take another unnamed opportunity. Maerz was previously vice president of operations. She joined the brand in 2021. Before that, she was regional vice president of On The Border Grill & Cantina, and she also worked with Lazy Dog Restaurants, and BJ’s Restaurants Inc.
Full Course has named Lauren Barash vice president of marketing. Before joining the restaurant incubator, Barash led creative strategy, national partnerships, in-store merchandising, social media and public relations for Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Barash also held the role of vice president of marketing for Edible Arrangements. She has held various roles with Brill Inc.and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Barash brings nearly 20 years of branding, marketing, digital and public relations experience in restaurants, franchising and consumer packaged goods to the Atlanta-based company.
“We are excited about what Lauren brings to our leadership team,” said Lauren Fernandez, Full Course founder and CEO, in a press release. “She’s an expert at brand building, and her skillset and breadth of experience across the marketing landscape will further allow us to impact businesses in various stages of growth.”
Christopher Jones this week was named CFO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based BurgerFi International, the parent to BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. The move is effective July 10. Jones replaces CFO Mike Rabinovitch, who is moving to Lionheart Capital, the company’s largest shareholder, as a senior advisor. Jones was previously CFO of deep-water wreck exploration company Odyssey Marine Exploration in Tampa.
Martin Hornsby has been named chief financial officer of Smokey Mo’s BBQ. Before joining the Texas-based barbeque chain, Hornsby has held the role of chief financial officer tor Alamo Drafthouseand Sport Clips Haircuts. Hornsby brings experience managing capital and financial restructuring to the company, according to a press release.
“Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” said Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ, in the statement. “Smokey Mo's is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan, and we are very excited to add Martin's financial and franchising expertise to our team.”
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