Zaxby’s Executive and Leadership Team

John Bush, the Chief Executive Officer at Zaxby’s, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the restaurant chain. Bush oversees the alignment of regional market expansion with the core mission of providing premium chicken fingers and wings. By coordinating with the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that brand standards remain consistent across all franchise locations. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the fast-food industry. John Bush drives initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures sustainable growth and profitability. The strategic direction provided by Bush fosters a culture of excellence, ensuring that the company meets the evolving demands of the modern dining landscape while maintaining the quality that defines the brand.

Bernard Acoca, the Chief Executive Officer & Board Member at Zaxby’s, governs the strategic partnership between executive management and the board of directors. Acoca architects high-level governance frameworks that support the expansion of the restaurant footprint. The Chief Executive Officer & Board Member evaluates capital allocation strategies to optimize the financial health of the organization. By bridging the gap between operational execution and board-level oversight, Bernard Acoca ensures that all business activities align with shareholder interests and long-term value creation. This role involves navigating complex market dynamics to sustain the brand's position in the competitive hospitality sector. Acoca drives the implementation of corporate policies that promote transparency and accountability. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer & Board Member reinforces the commitment to excellence that characterizes the company's approach to the fast-food market.

Jami Garner, the Chief Financial Officer at Zaxby’s, directs all fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting activities. Garner oversees the allocation of capital resources to support marketing campaigns and infrastructure development. The Chief Financial Officer manages risk assessment and financial compliance to ensure the long-term stability of the organization. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, Jami Garner provides the data-driven insights necessary for strategic decision-making at the executive level. This role involves coordinating with external auditors and financial partners to maintain the company's fiscal health. Garner executes financial strategies that maximize profitability while supporting the expansion of the restaurant network. Through the rigorous management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company remains well-positioned to invest in future growth opportunities and maintain a strong competitive presence in the fast-food industry.

Sean Coleman, the Chief Operating Officer at Zaxby’s, manages the daily operational workflows across the entire restaurant chain. Coleman oversees supply chain logistics, kitchen efficiency, and service standards to ensure consistent product delivery. The Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of new technology in restaurant operations to streamline order processing and reduce wait times. By monitoring performance metrics across regional territories, Sean Coleman identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. This leadership role involves collaborating with franchise partners to maintain high standards of food safety and quality control. Coleman executes operational strategies that support the company's growth objectives while maintaining the integrity of the menu offerings. Through the optimization of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location operates at peak efficiency, directly contributing to the overall success and reputation of the brand.

Derek Weilbaecher, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the procurement of essential food ingredients and kitchen supplies. Weilbaecher oversees relationships with national vendors to ensure the consistent availability of high-quality chicken, produce, and packaging materials. The President. General Buyer drives cost-saving initiatives by negotiating favorable contracts and optimizing the supply chain for the entire restaurant network. By monitoring market fluctuations in commodity prices, Derek Weilbaecher mitigates risks and ensures price stability for franchise operators. This role involves coordinating with the operations team to align procurement strategies with menu development and seasonal promotions. Weilbaecher executes sourcing plans that prioritize quality and sustainability, supporting the brand's commitment to excellence. Through the strategic management of the supply chain, the President. General Buyer ensures that all locations have the necessary resources to maintain the high standards expected by customers.

Michael Godfrey, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, focuses on the procurement of non-food operational assets and equipment. Godfrey oversees the acquisition of kitchen technology, restaurant furniture, and maintenance supplies required for daily operations. The President. General Buyer drives the standardization of equipment across all locations to ensure operational consistency and ease of maintenance. By evaluating new technologies and vendor offerings, Michael Godfrey identifies opportunities to enhance kitchen productivity and reduce energy consumption. This role involves collaborating with the operations department to forecast equipment needs and manage the lifecycle of restaurant assets. Godfrey executes procurement strategies that balance quality with cost-effectiveness, supporting the company's expansion goals. Through the strategic oversight of equipment sourcing, the President. General Buyer ensures that every restaurant is equipped to deliver the high-quality dining experience that defines the brand.

Ronald Haigler, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the procurement of specialized ingredients and proprietary sauces that define the menu. Haigler oversees the quality assurance processes for all food suppliers to ensure compliance with brand specifications. The President. General Buyer drives the development of new supply partnerships to support menu innovation and limited-time offerings. By conducting regular audits of supplier facilities, Ronald Haigler maintains the integrity of the supply chain and ensures adherence to food safety standards. This role involves working closely with the culinary team to source unique ingredients that differentiate the brand in the marketplace. Haigler executes procurement strategies that prioritize consistency and flavor profile accuracy across all regions. Through the meticulous management of ingredient sourcing, the President. General Buyer ensures that the signature taste of the brand remains consistent for every customer.

J. Hefner, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, directs the procurement of logistics and distribution services to support the restaurant network. Hefner oversees the selection of third-party logistics providers to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to franchise locations. The President. General Buyer drives the optimization of distribution routes to reduce transportation costs and improve delivery reliability. By analyzing logistics data, J. Hefner identifies bottlenecks in the supply chain and implements solutions to enhance overall efficiency. This role involves coordinating with regional distribution centers to manage inventory levels and prevent stockouts. Hefner executes procurement strategies that support the company's growth in new geographic markets. Through the strategic management of distribution partnerships, the President. General Buyer ensures that all restaurants receive the necessary supplies on time, supporting the seamless operation of the business.

Craig Baldwin, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the procurement of marketing materials, promotional items, and point-of-sale supplies. Baldwin oversees the sourcing of branded merchandise and signage to ensure consistent brand representation across all locations. The President. General Buyer drives the procurement of materials for national marketing campaigns, ensuring that all promotional assets are available for timely execution. By negotiating with printing and manufacturing partners, Craig Baldwin achieves cost efficiencies in the production of marketing collateral. This role involves collaborating with the marketing department to align procurement with promotional calendars and brand initiatives. Baldwin executes sourcing strategies that support the company's visibility and customer engagement efforts. Through the strategic management of marketing procurement, the President. General Buyer ensures that the brand's visual identity is effectively communicated and maintained across the entire restaurant network.

Michelle Morgan, the Chief People Officer at Zaxby’s, leads the human resources strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development initiatives. Morgan oversees the implementation of training programs that equip staff with the skills necessary to deliver superior customer service. The Chief People Officer drives culture-building efforts that foster employee engagement and retention across the restaurant chain. By developing compensation and benefits structures, Michelle Morgan ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier talent in a competitive labor market. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. Morgan executes policies that align human capital with the broader business objectives of the organization. Through the cultivation of a positive work environment, the Chief People Officer supports the operational success of the brand, ensuring that every team member contributes effectively to the company's mission.