• by Barbie Romero , February 4, 2025

GoTo Foods’ Director & GM, eCommerce - Retail Channels & Licensing Division also discussed her favorite brands to work on and rewatching the Harry Potter film franchise.

1. During our QSR summit, you mentioned that GoTo Foods often licenses products in areas where it is harder to reach consumers. Were there any instances where the demand for those licensed products was so high that it indicated a potential new location for a franchise store location?
   There are a lot of factors that go into the recommendations and decision-making on opening new locations for one of our brands. Consumer demand is just one of the inputs into that equation. Our mission is to expand global access points for our brands, increasing relevance and driving consistent growth while enhancing overall brand health. At the heart of this strategy is our commitment to providing consumers with more opportunities to enjoy the brands they love, all while ensuring they receive a premium experience regardless of the format.

2. What GoTo Foods brand is your favorite to work on?
   This is a tough question because each of our brands is at a different phase in its licensing journey and therefore provides more or less white space to play in. I think we’ve done the most with Cinnabon and Carvel to-date, but I’m really looking forward to continuing the work on the Auntie Anne’s and Jamba brands in 2025. 

3. How do you motivate and inspire your team?
   I am a big proponent in making sure my team knows that we’re in this together. On any projects and initiatives, I try to be considerate of people’s schedules, communication preferences and workloads. I want them to know that I have their back when necessary and that I am available to bounce ideas or provide guidance if/as needed. I also try to interject some levity into the day-to-day as an individual as well as part of our team’s “Fun Committee.” “Fun Committee” is what we jokingly started as a steering committee, tasked with keeping the employees on our team recognized, celebrated, and engaged. We make sure everyone’s birthdays and milestones are celebrated in a meaningful way, and we organize fun outings and engagement opportunities for the team. GoTo Foods very much values employee engagement, and, actually, there’s a broader company Cultural and Inclusion Council that focuses on employee engagement, health, and wellness on a larger scale.

4. What content are you streaming right now?
   It varies on the day and my mood, and what latest content is available. Most recently, I rewatched the entire Harry Potter film franchise, and currently, I have been binge streaming the Big Bang Theory (which I’ve never watched sequentially from the beginning to end). The show is very amusing, but the canned laugh track drives me crazy. 

5. If you could have dinner with someone who is alive or dead, who would it be and why?
   Not to sound cheesy, but it would be my grandmother. She was one of the best and most interesting people I’ve ever known, and I miss her very much.

If you’re interested in submitting content for future editions, please reach out to our Managing Editor, Barbie Romero at Barbie@MediaPost.com.