Tulsa-based Mazzio’s LLC, owner and operator of the Mazzio’s Italian Eatery and Oliveto Italian Bistro brands, named Sheri Miksa, an industry veteran, as president and CEO effective January 13. Mazzio’s LLC has more than 140 locations, most of which are fast-casual restaurants, and started in Tulsa with a single pizza restaurant location more than 50 years ago.
“We are thrilled to have attracted an experienced fast casual restaurant industry CEO like Sheri Miksa,” says Eric Selby, on behalf of Mazzio’s LLC’s ownership group. “We are certain Sheri’s strong industry background and experience, including her substantial time in the fast-casual segment and with franchised organizations, will help us continue to build our brands in the growing casual Italian segments.”
Most recently, Miksa was CEO of fast-casual emerging concept Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken. Miksa’s previous CEO roles include leading the 150-unit fast-casual Rubio’s Restaurants chain and the 140-unit Robeks Juice brand, a 99 percent franchised fast-casual chain. At Robeks, the number of restaurants increased by 50 percent during her tenure.
“I am excited about the future of Mazzio’s,” Miksa says. “Fast-casual Italian is an under-served and growing segment. Mazzio’s has been serving craveable pizzas, pastas, and hot Italian sandwiches for over 50 years. I look forward to leading the company and working with the great people at Mazzio’s to achieve the brands’ significant growth potential, and to bringing the Mazzio’s experience—quality, flavorful, Italian dishes served fast, in a warm, inviting environment—to more markets across the country.”
Previously, Miksa held executive roles with AFC Enterprises’ Seattle Coffee Company, Taco Bell Corporation, and LSG Sky Chefs. She earned an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Earlier in her career, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alaska.
Miksa has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards of directors in the industry, including Boneheads, Robeks, and Rubio’s, as well as Share our Strength’s Great American Dine-out, the Women’s Foodservice Forum, and Vita-Mix Corporation, and she has served on the Board of Healthy Dining for over five years.
