Hat Creek Burger Co. Hires Industry Veteran as Chief Strategy Officer

The Austin-based fast-casual brand Hat Creek Burger Co. is growing its leadership beyond the Lone Star State.

The 27-unit chain announced the hiring of Atlanta-based Chris Phillips as chief strategy officer. Phillips comes with more than two decades of experience in the industry, working for well-known brands.

Most recently, he served as the chief investment officer and managing director for Atticus Franchise Group, the owner and operator of 130 franchised locations for Sonic and Massage Envy.

Before that, he held the title of chief strategy officer at GPS Hospitality, the owner and operator of around 500 Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Pizza Hut restaurants and worked as vice president of finance, strategy, analytics and insights at Popeyes and senior director of finance and strategy for Darden Restaurants.

In his new role, Phillips will collaborate with Hat Creek Burger Co.’s senior leadership team to plan for long-term growth, strategic partnerships and corporate development as the Texas chain looks to expand to new states.

Hat Creek Burger Co. started as a food trailer in Austin, Texas, before its flagship location launched in 2011 in West Lake Hills, Texas. In 2020, the brand opened its 27th location.