Auburn, Ala. — Guthrie’s, the original chicken finger restaurant, has appointed Tom Carr as president & chief executive officer of Guthrie’s Franchising, Inc. Following the brand’s monumental 60th anniversary celebration this past year, Carr will lead Guthrie’s into a new era of growth and expansion.
With over 25 years of leadership and marketing experience, Carr joins Guthrie’s from the fast-growing fast-casual restaurant chain, Chicken Salad Chick, where he has been a key leadership executive behind the brand’s phenomenal growth over the past 10 years. In his role as chief marketing officer, he developed and led all brand and marketing programs and played a significant role in building Chicken Salad Chick into a national franchise powerhouse, growing from 50 stores to 325 locations across 23 states.
Prior to Chicken Salad Chick, Carr held senior marketing leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected brands, including Discovery Networks (now Warner Brothers Discover), Spanx, Nike and Turner Broadcasting. Early in his career he managed advertising for Coca-Cola and helped originate the famed “Pizza! Pizza!” campaign for Little Caesars.
Carr succeeds Joe Kelly Guthrie, co-owner and founding family member, in this role.
“We are thrilled to have Tom Carr joining our team this year as president and CEO of Guthrie’s,” says Guthrie, co-owner and former CEO. “Tom is accomplished and tenured, and he brings a strategic vision to Guthrie’s that will not only honor Guthrie’s legacy, but help move us into its next exciting chapter.”
Guthrie’s was founded in Haleyville, Ala., in 1965. The brand operates more than 70 locations across 12 states and is poised for continued growth with aggressive expansion plans set for 2026. For more information, visit www.guthrieschicken.com.
SOURCE: Guthrie’s Chicken