The Restaurant Marketing Veteran to Spearhead Marketing Strategy for the Sub Franchise
The Penn Station Coast Subs franchise has welcomed Jay Farmer as director of marketing. With this role, he will develop and execute the fast-casual sandwich concept’s national marketing strategy and provide guidance on local store marketing plans. In addition to being a life-long fan of the brand, the Ohio native brings more than two decades of experience in the food industry with leadership roles in both sales and marketing.
“I am excited to join Penn Station, particularly at this important time as we focus on the growth and development of the brand. I look forward to working with the many talented and dedicated executives and franchisees in the system as we increase brand awareness and add locations across the region,” he said in a statement.
Franchising and entrepreneurship have always interested Farmer, and he has spent his career on the manufacturing side across grocery, club, convenience, military and foodservice channels. As a lifelong learner, he appreciates that franchising fosters the continuous improvement of people, processes and systems.
Food Franchising
Farmer started working in the restaurant industry because of his love of food, people and his affinity for Penn Station East Coast Subs. Additionally, he enjoys that the foodservice industry allows for the creation of an amazing customer experience.
Farmer spent the past 10 years with Tyson Foods, most recently serving as director of customer category leadership and insights. He also worked in marketing, sales operations and category management leadership roles with AdvancePierre Foods, and JMFG – Smithfield Foods earlier in his career. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Communication and has an MBA from Xavier University.
His ultimate goal has always been to have a successful career in marketing, noting his journey “has been more of a pyramid approach rather than a ladder approach.” In his experience, he has found that franchisors looking to improve their marketing initiatives should listen to the voice of the customer.
About Penn Station East Coast Subs
Penn Station East Coat Subs was founded by Jeff Osterfeld in 1985 in Dayton, Ohio, and began franchising in 1988. Since then, the food franchise has expanded to over 320 locations in the U.S., according to a press release.
