Hernandez Applies More than Two Decades’ Experience with Franchisors Including Restaurant Brands International
Chicken Salad Chick has named Ervin Hernandez director of marketing. Hernandez oversees the brand’s franchise marketing and helps manage ad fund media planning. He has more than 20 years of experience driving communications and marketing strategies for top food service franchisors including Restaurant Brands International and Domino’s.
“I’ve long admired Chicken Salad Chick not only for its unique concept and loyal following, but also for the genuine warmth and hospitality at the heart of the brand,” Hernandez said. “My wife and I have been longtime fans, frequenting our neighborhood Chicks in Alpharetta and Cumming, Ga., so this role is especially meaningful. I’m thrilled to join a team that’s deeply committed to supporting its franchisees and growing with purpose. I look forward to helping build on the strong foundation already in place and welcoming even more guests into the Chick community.”
He cited the fast-causal chicken salad brand’s people-first culture and growth potential as its major selling points. “Since Chicken Salad Chick has so much positive momentum, I am joining a brand where I can come in and bring my 20-plus years of restaurant and franchisee-level experience. My goal is to add value to a winning brand and team, and play an important role in accelerating the brand’s growth,” Hernandez said.
Tom Carr, chief marketing officer for Chicken Salad Chick, said Hernandez’ servant leadership style aligns with the brand’s values and will be instrumental in fostering its growth. “Ervin’s leadership in franchise and regional marketing, combined with his experience in digital strategy and innovation, positions him to make an immediate impact,” Carr said.
Importance of Franchise Marketing
Hernandez said Chicken Salad Chick’s growth will be driven by marketing. “Marketing is where data meets emotion — it’s how you bring a brand to life, solve customer problems and drive growth in tangible ways. Marketing plays a critical role in keeping Chicken Salad Chick competitive by reinforcing what makes the brand special: its Southern hospitality, fresh and flavorful menu, and community-first approach. In a crowded fast-casual space, strong marketing helps differentiate the brand through consistent storytelling, digital engagement and local store outreach. It drives guest loyalty, fuels franchise growth and ensures that the brand evolves with changing consumer behaviors — especially in how people discover, order and engage with restaurants.”
About Chicken Salad Chick
Founded in Auburn, Ala., by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick serves more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors, side salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts. The brand has expanded to 300-plus restaurants in 22 states.
