Concept 800 Degrees Pizzeria, the Los Angeles-based fast-fine dining brand, has announced the appointment of Thomas Bartsch as chief marketing officer. Thomas is a global marketing executive that brings over 20 years of marketing experience in fast moving consumer goods and the restaurant industry. Thomas will drive company marketing strategy and initiatives, including overall brand messaging and positioning as the concept continues to expand and evolve. Working closely with industry veteran and CEO Tommy Lee, and Founder and Executive Chef Anthony Carron, he will contribute to planning the company’s ongoing growth and expansion into new markets.
“800 Degrees is recognized as a leader in the fast-fine dining scene, while still holding true to its chef-driven roots,” says Thomas Bartsch. “I’m excited to align myself with a concept I believe in, and a team of industry experts who are primed and ready fill a void in today’s dining industry. I look forward to working with a talented leadership team to shape the next chapter of 800 Degrees and give consumers more reasons to love us.”
Thomas joins 800 Degrees after most recently serving as the Vice President of Global Marketing for a fast-casual start up and as Chief Marketing Officer of international for Focus Brands. Over his career, Thomas has worked for companies ranging from start-ups to global brands, including MidiCi, Focus Brands, DineEquity, Dunkin Brands, Burger King Corporation, and Nestle. In each role, he has demonstrated the ability to develop and implement game-changing initiatives to maximize sales and profits in single and multi-brand companies, both domestically and internationally. His unique blend of business strategy, marketing, and innovation experience is a great addition to the 800 Degrees team.
“Thomas brings invaluable experience in global marketing and branding to 800 Degrees,” says Tommy Lee, CEO of 800 Degrees Pizzeria. “As the concept continues to grow and progress we will lean on his leadership skills and vast knowledge in brand strategy and development, especially as it pertains to multi-unit restaurant concepts. We are confident that Thomas’ expertise will complement and elevate the executive team at 800 Degrees.”
Thomas holds two Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Finance from The University of Miami, with a bachelor’s degrees in economics from Tulane University. Additionally, Thomas served as a mentor and client to the Executive MBA program at Emory University.
800 Degrees Pizza currently operates locations in Los Angeles, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Tokyo, Japan; Dubai, UAE; and Doha, Qatar. In 2018, the brand is poised for further growth, including several new large key markets in the USA, and several key countries internationally.
