Maria Cacciapuoti, who has served the brand for 10-plus years, will partner with franchisees to modernize the KFC experience.
A chief people officer also joins the service company, which operates in all 50 states.
The brand continues to explore expansion beyond traditional restaurant formats.
Catch updates from Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Layne’s Chicken Fingers.
Edwards, who has served the company for more than two decades, will lead the chain and general market sales organizations.
The deal will allow the 15-store brand to speed up its expansion across the Southeast.
Upcoming store openings will strengthen the global chicken chain’s presence in its high-priority markets of California and New York.
The merger allows the dealerships to grow their footprints and the services they offer.
The individual brings experience working across the education, healthcare, retail and hospitality segments.
With an established footprint in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, Penn Station is now branching out into North Carolina, South Carolina and Michigan.
The newly elected individual was chairwoman of SNA’s Professional Development Committee and, later, SNA vice president.
Marking a milestone in its international growth strategy, the Nuevo León restaurant is the first location in a deal announced in early 2025. More restaurants will open in Nuevo León later this year and expand into Mexico City in 2027.