Dive Brief:
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has appointed three senior leaders to support the brand’s long-term growth strategy, the company said in a Tuesday press release.
- Dawn Phillipson became CFO after working at Arhaus, an omni-channel retailer of home furnishings. Linda Bartman, formerly chief growth officer at SyBridge Technologies, was appointed chief customer officer. Dave Harris, former chief information officer of Shake Shack, became chief technology officer.
- These executives will help the chain speed up its growth, bolster its brand position and improve experiences for guests, wine club members and employees, the company said.
Dive Insight:
The executives join the high-end chain as it increases sales and unit count. Each individual is highly experienced in their field and will support the chain’s current trajectory, Tim McEnery, founder and CEO of Cooper’s Hawk, said in a statement.
Cooper’s Hawk, which has a history of high average unit volumes, had an estimated $625 million in sales from more than 60 units in 2023, according to Technomic data reported by Restaurant Business. The company has expanded to nearly 70 units with five more listed on its website as “coming soon.”
Last March, S&P Global Ratings updated its outlook to positive for the company, especially as the chain saw improved sales volumes alongside positive same-store sales. S&P said the chain’s wine club helps drive recurring customer traffic.
Members tend to dine in-store when they pick up their subscription bottles. The wine club contributes about one-quarter of the brand’s total sales and is a relatively stable revenue stream, S&P said.
The new executives’ experience could help further these sales trends.
Phillipson’s responsibilities include leading all financial operations and optimizing enterprise and capital allocation initiatives. Bartman will oversee customer experience and engagement in addition to marketing and growing Wine Club memberships. Harris will handle the brand’s technology, digital and data capabilities.
“As we continue to execute our long-term objectives, I am confident their leadership will support our team's ability to expand our footprint and membership in both existing and new markets,” McEnery said. “They will help us create differentiated, personalized experiences while maintaining our track record as an innovator and world-class operator.”
