• by Teresa Buyikian , July 11, 2024

One sandwich, soup and salad chain has a new brand sheriff in town.

GoTo Foods has appointed Donna Spangler-Josephson as new chief brand officer of Schlotzsky’s.

In the new role, Spangler-Josephson will be responsible for “providing executive-level direction while overseeing marketing and operations strategy with the goal of enhancing financial growth and franchise success for the brand.”

 “Donna has had an impressive career in the restaurant industry and brings extensive knowledge of marketing and operations to the Schlotzsky’s brand,” said Shelley Harris, restaurant category president at GoTo Foods, in the announcement. “Her leadership will be invaluable as the brand accelerates sales growth and development expansion.”

Spangler-Josephson joined the chain most recently from Shipley Do-nuts, where she was CMO. Over her 20+ year career she has held many positions in the restaurant realm, also serving as CMO for both Fazoli’s and Corner Bakery, as well as holding leadership positions at Wendy’s, Applebee’s and Chick-fil-A. She also previously worked for GoTo Foods as vice president of marketing for sister chain McAlister’s from 2012 to 2016.

In addition to Schlotzsky’s, GoTo Foods, formerly Focus Brands, is also the parent company of several other fast casual restaurants and QSRs including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli and Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Schlotzsky’s recently introduced desserts inspired by its fellow GoTo chain Cinnabon to its menu. The Cinnabon Cookie Sandwich consists of Cinnabon’s signature cream cheese frosting spread between two chocolate chip cookies.