Chicken Salad Chick Hires Retail Veteran as CMO to Drive Digital and Loyalty Growth
Event summary
- Chicken Salad Chick appointed Jill Thomas as Chief Marketing Officer on March 23, 2026.
- Thomas brings over 20 years of experience in brand, digital, and growth strategies from retail and restaurant sectors.
- She previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Retail and e-commerce at PGA TOUR Superstore.
- Thomas will oversee national consumer marketing, digital and loyalty strategy, menu innovation, and guest experience initiatives.
- Chicken Salad Chick operates over 330 restaurants in 22 states and continues nationwide expansion.
The big picture
Chicken Salad Chick's appointment of Jill Thomas as CMO underscores its commitment to modernizing its marketing approach through digital transformation and loyalty strategies. This move aligns with broader industry trends where fast-casual chains are leveraging data-driven insights to enhance guest experiences and drive growth. With over 330 locations, the brand's focus on scaling its digital ecosystem and strengthening its marketing capabilities will be critical in its nationwide expansion.
What we're watching
- Digital Transformation
- How Thomas's retail and e-commerce background will influence Chicken Salad Chick's digital ecosystem and data-driven marketing strategies.
- Loyalty Strategy
- Whether the brand can sustain and enhance its loyalty programs to drive guest retention and lifetime value.
- Menu Innovation
- The pace at which menu innovation will be integrated to maintain cultural relevance while preserving the brand's Southern charm.