Veggie Grill, a fast-casual chain serving 100 percent plant-based, American-style food, announced that restaurant marketing veteran, Debbie Porter, has joined the team as director of marketing.
Porter joins CEO Greg Dollarhyde and co-founders Kevin Boylan and T.K. Pillan as they continue to develop and expand the Veggie Grill brand.
"This is an exciting time for Veggie Gril, as the demand for convenient, 100 percent plant-based food is accelerating," Dollarhyde says. "We're looking forward to having Debbie bring her great branding and marketing expertise to our team to help us achieve our vision."
With more than 15 years of marketing experience in the restaurant industry, Porter has created successful local, regional, and national programs for a variety of quick serves, fast casuals, and upscale restaurants. As vice president of marketing for the boutique restaurant group Fox Restaurant Concepts, Porter managed all marketing functions for 11 restaurant concepts with 33 locations in seven major metropolitan markets, including True Foods.
Prior to joining Fox, Porter was senior vice president of marketing for eight quick-serve concepts totaling 1,200 franchised locations at Scottsdale-based Kahala Corp.
"The Veggie Grill team has done an incredible job of creating a ground-breaking restaurant concept that is rapidly changing people's perceptions about the way vegetarian food looks and tastes," Porter says. "Our sales growth so far has been phenomenal and the brand has enormous potential. The menu is affordable and accessible and is appealing to everyone seeking a quick and deliciously wholesome meal. Plus, our guests are incredibly loyal. They truly seem to love the brand and the entire Veggie Grill experience."
At Veggie Grill, Porter will be responsible for strategic brand development and regional and national marketing strategies for all Veggie Grill locations. Currently, there are eight locations in Southern California and two in Portland, Oregon, with additional openings scheduled in new markets in 2012 and beyond.
