Crouch Helps Drive Brand Presence as Director of Field Marketing for the Quick-Service Franchise
The Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken franchise has named Jessica Crouch director of field marketing. Reporting to vice president of marketing Dan Sokolik, her main focus is building catering, third-party delivery and local store marketing at the quick-service chicken concept’s corporate locations.
Crouch said she’s excited to help grow the 55-year-old brand. “Lee\’s stands as a legacy brand brimming with potential, and I\’m eager to contribute to telling its story,” she said.
Sokolik said he is confident in Crouch’s ability to lead the brand forward. “Jessica will play an integral role as we focus on driving our brand presence and further connecting with our customers and the communities we serve,” Sokolik said. “Understanding the intricacies of a growing brand while being able to execute marketing that packs a punch is vital to our organization, and we are excited about the experience and energy she brings.”
Crouch’s first experience in franchising came when she was 17 working at the Lion’s Choice quick-service restaurant chain. She worked her way up from shift leader to manager and eventually requested an internship in marketing that led to a fulfilling career spanning 12 years. During her time at Lion’s Choice, she found herself naturally spreading brand awareness as a team member. As her affection for marketing grew, Crouch said she sought to understand how to translate her love for food into practical strategies for operators.
Franchisors and Marketing
Crouch’s key insight for franchisors looking to improve their marketing initiatives is to approach it from brand- and restaurant-level perspectives. “Consider how it directly impacts your restaurant operators and team members. If they\’re not fully onboard, your marketing efforts won\’t reach their full potential.”
While she can’t imagine working in an industry other than food franchising, Crouch said there was a time when she envisioned working with computers when considering college and her career path. But the constant emergence of new technologies in the restaurant industry has enabled her to leverage her passions and expertise, she said.
About Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
The Ohio-based Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken franchise specializes in fresh, never frozen chicken. Since its inception in 1966, the quick-service chicken concept has expanded to more than 130 locations in 12 states and in Canada.
