Amy LaFrank has been named Director, Calendars and Programs for Buffets, Inc.
Slaton Smith has been appointed as Senior Director, Field Marketing and Media for Buffets, Inc.
Amy LaFrank has been named Director, Calendars and Programs and Slaton Smith has been appointed as Senior Director, Field Marketing and Media. Both Smith and LaFrank will help fast track the rollout of the company’s marketing initiatives associated with “The Plan to Win,” the company’s strategic blueprint for growth that was rolled out earlier in August at its annual field leadership planning meeting. The plan outlines a renewed emphasis in improving the guest experience through a series of investments in better facilities, better food, and better training and support for its employees.
Smith has extensive advertising agency and client side experience with nearly 20 years restaurant field marketing experience on both the corporate and agency sides of the business for companies like Denny’s, Arby’s and, most recently, T.G.I. Fridays and, as an agency executive, working on McDonald’s and Denny’s regional marketing plans. He holds a BA from West Virginia University at Morgantown.
LaFrank will serve a vital role in coordinating marketing calendars and operational efforts to maximize customer awareness of the portfolio of the brands’ offerings and to develop other engaging digital and in-restaurant programs that enhance the customer experience. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations/Communications. She has more than 12 years experience in increasingly responsible marketing roles at Hardee’s Food Systems and, most recently, Arby’s Restaurant Group. In these roles she oversaw brand marketing, field marketing, franchise field support, calendar planning and media buying.