Italian Fast Casual Restaurant Chain Hires New Executive Leadership
“We are thrilled to have attracted an experienced fast casual restaurant industry CEO like Sheri Miksa,” said Eric Selby, on behalf of Mazzio’s LLC’s ownership group. “We are certain Sheri’s strong industry background and experience, including her substantial time in the fast casual segment and with franchised organizations, will help us continue to build our brands in the growing casual Italian segments.”
Most recently, Miksa was CEO of fast casual emerging concept Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken. Miksa’s previous CEO roles include leading the 150-unit fast casual Rubio’s Restaurants chain (Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grills – then NASDAQ: RUBO), and the 140-unit Robeks Juice brand, a 99 percent franchised fast casual chain. At Robeks, the number of restaurants increased by 50 percent during her tenure.
“I am excited about the future of Mazzio’s,” said Miksa. “Fast casual Italian is an under-served and growing segment. Mazzio’s has been serving craveable pizzas, pastas and hot Italian sandwiches for over 50 years. I look forward to leading the company and working with the great people at Mazzio’s to achieve the brands’ significant growth potential, and to bringing the Mazzio’s experience – quality, flavorful, Italian dishes served fast, in a warm, inviting environment – to more markets across the country.”
Previously, Miksa held executive roles with AFC Enterprises’ Seattle Coffee Company, Taco Bell Corporation, and LSG Sky Chefs. She earned an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Earlier in her career, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Alaska.
Miksa has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit Boards of Directors in the industry, including Boneheads, Robeks and Rubio’s, as well as Share our Strength’s Great American Dine-outTM, the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) and Vita-Mix Corporation, and she has served on the Board of Healthy Dining for over five years. She also is a member of WFF, Women Corporate Directors (WCD), and OnBoard.
With 143 restaurants in 10 states, Tulsa-based Mazzio’s LLC was established in 1961 and is the parent company of the Mazzio’s Italian Eatery and Oliveto Italian Bistro brands. The corporation was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma by the late Ken Selby and ownership remains in his family today.
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery’s 140 locations offer expedited service and convenience, great value, and high quality menu items in a fast casual setting. The family-friendly menu features varieties of pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches for lunch and dinner, making it a perfect choice for dine-in, carryout, delivery or catering needs. For information about Mazzio’s LLC or Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, visit www.mazzios.com.
The Oliveto Italian Bistros, with locations in Oklahoma and Texas, provide artisan-inspired dishes in an upscale neighborhood dining concept. Open for lunch, dinner and later, the bistro menu board boasts appetizers, entrees, desserts and a wide variety of beers, wines and cocktails. For more information about Oliveto, visit www.olivetobistro.com.
