Growing up just north of Atlanta, Kaitlin Stoehr’s journey into the restaurant world began in high school when she worked as a waitress at a local establishment in her hometown. The early exposure to the industry ignited a lasting love for the environment and the connections she made with colleagues and customers alike.
Now, as the senior director of marketing for Krystal Restaurants under the SPB Hospitality umbrella, Stoehr is at the forefront of innovative marketing strategies and cross-functional collaboration, working regularly with various departments, including supply chain, operations and training, to seamlessly integrate new promotions and menu items.
With frequent collaboration, Stoehr emphasizes the importance of trust and open communication within her team.
“For me as a leader,” Stoehr says, “I try to be as transparent as I possibly can so my team really trusts me. Collaboration is big, too. I have a collaborative leadership style where I’m involved in the day-to-day, but I also want my team to feel empowered.”
Reflecting on her career path, Stoehr acknowledges that the restaurant industry wasn’t initially apparent as a viable long-term career. She was aware of the possibilities a position in the kitchen held but knew the long hours on her feet wasn’t exactly her cup of tea. However, a marketing internship during her time at Georgia State University opened her eyes to the myriad opportunities within the corporate side of the industry.
“It was by really happenstance that someone I went to school with referred me to a marketing intern position for Moe’s Southwest Grill,” she says. “There, I learned about the corporate side of the industry, fell in love with it, and I’m blessed to still be in it.”
Looking ahead, Stoehr is committed to continuous learning, particularly in the ever-evolving media landscape. She’s eager to stay at the forefront of marketing trends and behaviors, especially as they pertain to new generations and shifting consumer attention spans. “I don’t see myself leaving the industry anytime soon,” says Stoehr. “I love the role I’m in right now, and I’m trying to be a sponge still and absorb as much as I can so I’m prepared for any future roles or challenges that are thrown my way.”
By Haley Harward
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Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Performance Foodservice, and table sponsors, Society Insurance and Savannah Distributing, for making this event possible:
Presenting Sponsor
Table Sponsors
Savannah Distributing and Society Insurance
