Dive Brief:
- Checkers and Rally’s has hired Michael Blair as CFO and Scott Johnson as CMO, the company announced Thursday in a press release.
- Blair joins the company from Miller’s Ale House, while Scott Johnson comes from Jollibee.
- Blair and Johnson will “help fuel growth in the business, focusing on driving profitability, guest engagement and continued expansion of the brand,” the company said in a press release.
Dive Insight:
Checkers and Rally’s has looked toward AI to bolster franchisee operations in recent years, deploying drive-thru, voice AI with Presto and Valyant, and Spanish language drive-thru AI with Hi Auto in at least 350 of the chain’s 800 restaurants. Late last year, the company signed a trio of major franchising agreements that, if fulfilled, would result in the construction of 40 new units in three markets. The company’s ongoing marketing efforts include a series of fry-based promotions and a drive-thru game show intended to draw audience on Instagram and TikTok.
Blair brings both domestic and international experience and has led teams including “finance and accounting, payroll, risk management, human resources, legal, and IT departments,” according to the press release. Prior to Checkers and Rally’s, Blair worked as the chief financial and administrative officer at Miller’s Ale House. Before that position, he spent nine years in a number of leadership roles at Bloomin’, including director of financial planning and analysis at Bloomin’s flagship brand, Outback Steakhouse, and a period as Bloomin’ international CFO.
Johnson is also a restaurant industry veteran, and worked in marketing at Smashburger, BurgerFi, Bravo, Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse, the company said in a press release. He most recently worked at Jollibee Group of Companies as VP, head of marketing, with responsibility for Jollibee Fried Chicken in North America, and for Smashburger. He began his career as Arby’s brand manager, later becoming senior director of marketing where his responsibilities included overseeing the national marketing calender, new product marketing and brand development across 3,000 locations nationwide.
“[Johnson] has a proven track record of delivering significant AUV growth through his innovative work in social media and digital commerce, menu development, consumer engagement and other marketing, advertising and PR initiatives,” the company said.
The new executives will both report directly to Checkers and Rally’s CEO and President Frances Allen.
