Krispy Krunchy Chicken has hired Molly Cooper as its new vice president of operations for the West, a spokesperson from the convenience retail QSR chain confirmed to C-Store Dive.
Cooper leads Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s operations across the western U.S., where she will build out a field team and help ensure a consistent guest experience while upholding Krispy Krunchy Chicken's brand standards, the spokesperson said.
Cooper brings over a quarter century of strategic leadership and executive operational management experience across QSR and fast-casual restaurant brands, including at Shake Shack and Panera Bread, according to the spokesperson. Most recently at Shake Shack, Cooper was an area director, and before that was regional VP of operations with Panera, per her LinkedIn bio.
“Throughout her career, Molly has successfully led multi-unit operations, optimized field processes, and aligned cross-functional business objectives to improve operational and financial performance,” Krispy Krunchy Chicken’s spokesperson said. “Her blend of strategic leadership and hands-on operational expertise will be instrumental as Krispy Krunchy Chicken continues to grow and support operators nationwide.”
Atlanta-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken operates more than 3,600 locations across the 48 contiguous states. Western convenience retailers using the chain’s turnkey programs include 7-Eleven, Circle K, Rebel Convenience Stores, Loop Neighborhood Market and H&S Energy Group, among others.
One c-store retailer making a significant investment in Krispy Krunchy Chicken is Cumberland Farms, which aims to bring the chain to 500 c-stores by 2030. Out West, Cumberland Farms operates multiple banners across California, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.
