Dive Brief:
- Denny’s on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new chief people officer and a new chief brand officer, according to a press release.
- Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie will join the company as EVP, chief people officer on Aug. 5. Patty Trevino will assume responsibilities as SVP, chief brand officer, effective Aug. 12.
- The two executives both bring considerable experience to the casual dining chain as it looks to halt, or reverse, a multi-year decline in its unit count.
Dive Insight:
Trevino, who has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, will focus on strategy, public relations, social and digital marketing, consumer experience and product innovation, according to the press release. All of these areas could help boost traffic and support Denny’s ongoing focus on digital channels.
Last October, the chain began expanding its virtual burrito brand, Banda Burritos, to scores of restaurants. Earlier this year, the casual dining chain and host kitchen platform Franklin Junction signed a 250-store deal to add virtual concepts at Denny’s. The company has said its sees digital channels as a key sales driver and a way to engage with younger consumers.
Trevino previously served as CMO at Red Lobster, from Feb. 2022 to August 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile, where she supported marketing, communications, loyalty, culinary operations and customer experience teams. Toward the end of her time at Red Lobster, the brand’s ill-fated endless shrimp promotion became a permanent menu item. That decision originated with interim CEO Paul Kenny, and drew opposition from within the company, in part because Thai Union Group, Red Lobster’s private equity owner, was also a major supplier of shrimp. Trevino also held marketing posts at Carl’s, Jr., Bloomin’ Brands and Burger King.
Saygbay-Hallie joins the chain after a stint with Checkers & Rally’s that lasted from January 2022 to July 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, Saygbay-Hallie held leadership roles in human resources at Sysco and at Yum Brands, where she spent about seven years, according to her LinkedIn profile. Saygbay-Hallie has over 20 years of restaurant and retail experience, per the release.
Saygbay-Hallie said in a statement that she plans to “expand and elevate the culture and benefit the brand’s people.”
Both executives will report to CEO Kelli Valada, who joined Denny’s from Red Lobster in May 2022.
