• by Teresa Buyikian , June 21, 2024

One hot burger chain continues to shake up its C-suite.

This week Shake Shack announced the appointment of Stephanie Sentell to the role of Chief Operations Officer, beginning July 1, 2024. She will oversee all company-operated domestic locations, including more than 12,000 team members, and will report to CEO Rob Lynch.

Seasoned restaurant veteran Sentell joins the burgeoning burger brand most recently from serving as SVP of company operations at Inspire Brands, where she oversaw the operations of more than 1,100 company-owned Arby’s restaurants and led 22,000 restaurant team members across the United States.

“I have known Stephanie for more than 10 years and she is one of the most dynamic and compassionate leaders that I have ever worked with,” said Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack in the announcement.

“She brings a wealth of operational experience and has consistently improved margins and enhanced operational efficiencies across brands, channels, and formats, including drive-thru, with a data driven approach that will further improve and optimize the way we operate our Shacks. Stephanie has the passion and strong leadership skills to build upon the principles of Enlightened Hospitality – she knows how to develop great teams, how to solve complex problems, and has an accountability mindset that will guide our teams into a bright future.”

Sentell’s hire culminates an 11-month search following the departure of founding COO Zachary Koffi. Koffi left the burger chain to serve as president of Fast Casual concept Daily Provisions, which is also owned by Union Square Hospitality Group, parent company of Shake Shack.

Before working at Inspire, Sentell spent over 11 years at Dairy Queen, as not only director of marketing but also a franchisee.