America’s largest buffet chain hires marketing veteran to lead brand strategy and marketing
President & CEO of Golden Corral Lance Trenary announced that Skip Hanke has joined the team as chief marketing officer (CMO).
Hanke brings extensive marketing knowledge and people leadership experience to his new role at Golden Corral. In his most recent position at Applebee’s as executive director of brand marketing, he had responsibility for brand strategy, menu/product innovation, marketing calendar development, and creative direction to partner agencies. Hanke previously served as Applebee’s media director with direct responsibility for their substantial national media budget. Prior to joining Applebee’s, Hanke worked in several brand management and leadership roles at The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) where he directed global strategy, brand communication and media efforts on several leading P&G brands, such as Crest, Oral-B, and Pampers. Hanke also proudly served as a United States Naval Officer, where he had restaurant general manager/operations responsibility aboard ship. Hanke earned his BA in Economics with distinction from Duke University cum laude, and his MBA with distinction from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he was co-valedictorian of his class.
“Skip is an excellent fit for our marketing leadership role, and I’m confident in the impact he will have on our brand,” Trenary said. “He comes at the perfect time as we continue to launch innovative initiatives like our virtual brand and drive-thru service, and build incredible positive comp sales momentum as we move into next year. His marketing expertise will play a critical role as we gear up for a strong 2022.”
“I’m thrilled to join Golden Corral during such an exciting renaissance of the brand,” Hanke said. “The past 21 months have been very difficult for restaurants across the board, but Golden Corral persevered, and continues to thrive as America’s #1 buffet. The brand innovated and evolved in order to offer the best experience possible for guests, both off premise and in our welcoming dining rooms. I look forward to working with our franchisees to deliver even better hospitality, choice, convenience, wholesome food, and value to our guests.”
Golden Corral’s legendary endless buffet features an abundant variety of quality, made-from-scratch food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from over 100 items including USDA grilled to order steaks, pork, seafood and shrimp alongside traditional favorites like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fresh salads and more. Golden Corral is a restaurant where there’s something for everyone and guests can come together to eat as they please.
Founded in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Golden Corral is also the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. For more information, visit goldencorral.com and follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
