Name: Patrick Kirk
New title: Chief marketing officer, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Previous title: Vice president of bar and beverage, Applebee’s
Kirk has over 23 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has worked at brands including Tony Roma’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. He previously spent roughly eight years leading Applebee’s bar and beverage program, according to the press release. In that role, he built his marketing department to create a revenue driver for the restaurant chain.
“Over the past eight years, Patrick has disrupted the casual dining industry through stand out marketing campaigns at Applebee’s,” Paul Damico, President of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, said in the press release. “His ability to create strategic platforms and forge strong brand and franchisee partnerships with a focus on creating buzzworthy and fun guest experiences is undeniable.”
In his new position at Fuzzy’s, Kirk will establish “a strategic direction across all aspects of marketing including advertising, digital marketing and culinary and beverage innovation.”
Fuzzy’s is in the midst of rolling out its Baja program, which includes a premium Baja menu category, as well as further embracing the Baja lifestyle with new restaurant design elements and enhancements to the overall guest experience.
During Q1, the company added a traditional Baja fish taco to its menu. The company has also had success with limited-time offers. Its Margarita Shrimp Taco, Burrito Taco Bowl and Queso were the “best in the brand’s history,” Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said during the company’s Q4 earnings call.
