]Zaxby’s, the quick-service chicken brand, has named Mike Mettler as chief development officer and promoted Mike Nettles to chief digital and technology officer, the company said Tuesday.
The Athens, Ga.-based company said Mettler, left, most recently served as chief development officer at Orangetheory Fitness and Nettles had headed Zaxby’s digital and technology division on an interim basis.
"These are seasoned executives who have achieved great success within some of the most recognizable brands in our industry," said Bernard Acoca, Zaxby’s CEO, in a statement. "With development and digital strategies central to our growth, I am confident that both are the right people to move our brand into the next phase."
Prior to Orangetheory, Mettler served in franchise development for Dairy Queen and Domino’s Pizza.
“Franchising growth requires four things,” Mettler said in a statement, “a strong business model, a solid culture, passionate franchise owners and strategic areas to develop. Zaxby's has them all.”
Nettles, left, joined Zaxby’s 2021 to develop the brands digital infrastructure. He is leading the development and design of the new mobile application, loyalty program and e-commerce platform that are set to launch in summer 2022.
Prior to Zaxby's, Nettles spent 30 years in the retail and hospitality sectors, holding leadership positions at Papa John's and Panera Bread.
"We are working to remove all the friction between our guests and their cravings to the point where the tech is totally transparent and entirely under their control," Nettles said. "Zaxby's has had a great ride thus far, but digital accessibility will be our 'secret sauce' for the next phase of our fantastic growth story."
In late 2020, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division acquired a “significant stake” in Zaxby’s Operating Co. L.P.
Zaxby's, founded in 1990, has more than 900 locations in 18 states.
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