James Kaa stepping down but remaining with Popular family-owned restaurant in part-time role as Vice President of Finance
For more than half a century, Polly’s Pies has provided a time-honored tradition for families and communities in Southern California and beyond with its never-ending goal of offering excellent service with the freshest, tastiest “homestyle” cooking and baking. The popular family-owned brand is building upon that promise as it embarks on a new frontier with innovative leadership.
Polly’s is excited to announce that Eric Stenta has been promoted to CEO and President, taking over for James Kaa, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. Kaa, who has been with the brand since 2017 and served as CEO and President for the past two years, will remain at Polly’s in a part-time capacity as Vice President of Finance.
“These last six years at the company have been both rewarding and challenging,” said Kaa. “While navigating through a pandemic and recovering together, we remained strong and focused on better staffing, new menu products, facility improvements and so much more that is paying off in better financial results. Polly’s is in such a great place and I can’t think of a better person than Eric to continue to raise the bar.”
Armed with an excellent track record and history of success in the restaurant industry, Stenta joined Polly’s Pies in 2019 as Vice President of Operations and most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Concept Officer. Now as CEO and President, he will be responsible for driving the brand’s overall performance with a continued focus on customers, innovation, operational efficiency, but most importantly, team member growth and opportunity.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Jim these last four years as we continued to grow and strengthen the Polly’s brand,” Stenta said. “I’m humbled and honored to now be taking the reins from him and look forward to building upon his success. With the launch of our nationwide pie shipping to go along with our 13 California locations, it’s an exciting time at Polly’s and I can’t wait for everyone to witness what’s to come as we strive to reach new heights.”
For more information, visit pollyspies.com or follow Polly’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Polly’s Pies was founded in 1968 by brothers Eddie and Donald Sheldrake in Fullerton, California. The legacy restaurant company, which will celebrate 55 years in 2023, is still family owned with Donald sitting on the board of directors and his great niece, Jacklyn Mitosinka, serving as the company’s Director of Brand. The company has 13 locations throughout Southern California offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an assortment of fresh bakery items. Known for its premium pies, Polly’s now offers nationwide shipping on its double crusted pies.
