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Jason Abelkop, the Chief Marketing Officer for Krystal restaurants joins Enterprise Radio to share some of his insights on how small brands can make a big impact.
Listen to interview with host Eric Dye & guest Jason Abelkop discuss the following:
- What is the difference between advertising and community relations and why should brands–big and small–be concerned with community efforts?
- What are some of the unique challenges executives should expect with planning larger community initiatives?
- Tell us about how Krystal tackled world peace?
- Wasn’t this a case where Burger King was rejected by McDonald’s? What made you think a brand of 350 units could take the place of a multi-billion dollar enterprise like McDonald’s?
- But world peace is pretty broad. How did you make it relevant for a brand known for southern hospitality?
- What are lessons learned here for other smaller restaurant operators?
Jason Abelkop is a seasoned marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations and promotions within the restaurant industry. He was named Chief Marketing Officer for The Krystal Company in 2014. Abelkop leads all new product development, menu management, and marketing and consumer communication for franchise and company restaurants.
He previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Ovation Brands, formerly Buffets, Inc., the nation’s largest steak-buffet company, with more than 325 restaurants in 35 states. His responsibilities included overseeing a team of in-house professionals and outside agencies responsible for all marketing, advertising and brand management.
Previously, Abelkop served as Chief Marketing Officer for Pollo Tropical, the Caribbean fast casual chicken concept known for its line of fresh grilled chicken menu offerings. Abelkop also served Arby’s Restaurants as Senior Vice President of Marketing and as Vice President of Marketing for the Apple Gold Group, overseeing marketing for franchised units of Applebee’s, Rio Bravo and Burger King restaurants.
He is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Website: www.Krystal.com
