• by Teresa Buyikian , August 25, 2025

One of the country’s largest fast-casual bagel chains has a new marketing head.

Einstein Bros. Bagels has appointed Jessica Serrano CMO.

Serrano will oversee “brand, digital, culinary innovation and guest experience strategy” for all of Bagel Brands’ restaurants, which, along with Einstein’s, also includes the Bruegger's, Noah's and Manhattan Bagels brands.

In the CMO role, she will be responsible for “driving brand relevance and long-term growth, guiding integrated strategies that strengthen Einstein Bros.’ connection with guests across its marketing channels,” per the brand.

“Jessica is an exceptional marketing leader with a proven track record of driving relevance and repeat visits while keeping the guest at the center of every decision,” says Jessica DePetro, CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Serrano joins the company from Dig Inn, where she also served as CMO for the East-Coast-based chain that focuses on seasonal food in the New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.  areas. While in the role she oversaw a brand refresh and company expansion into additional markets.

Before Dig Inn, Serrano worked as senior director of marketing strategy for Burger King and as a brand marketing director for Taco Bell. Before Taco Bell, she served as associate business manager for Dole Packaged Foods. Earlier in her career,Serrano spent over five years t Kraft Foods Group.

Bagel Brands is a part of Panera Brands, which was exploring selling off the bagel business in 2024 but ultimately did not, per a Reuters article at the time. Panera, which is owned by private equity firm JAB, had also “been laying the groundwork” for an initial public offering. Sales estimates by Technomic for Einstein Bros. were approximately $649 million in the U.S. in 2024, up from $582 million in 2023.