Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has hired Keith Berger as the senior director of information technology. Berger brings with him a wealth of IT experience and proven leadership to the brand. In his role, Berger will spearhead the development and implementation of Sonny’s BBQ’s information technology strategy, provide expert and strategic counsel to the leadership team and drive transformational change and innovation within the company.
“We’re excited to welcome Keith and leverage his knowledge and expertise to shape a new vision for technology that supports our people-first strategic priorities,” says Billy Brewer, chief operating officer of Sonny’s BBQ. “Keith has shown remarkable skill and knowledge in the field of information technology as well as operations, and his guidance will be instrumental in establishing our business as a trailblazer of innovation within the restaurant industry.”
Berger’s career path has built expertise in large-scale enterprise information technology. For 25 years, he worked at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts within the IT department, supporting and developing a wide variety of business solutions. Some of his most notable Disney accomplishments include the grand opening of Disney Hong Kong and joining Disney’s Next Generation Concept team to roll out the transformative $1.5 billion Magic Band guest experience project. After a brief period with SeaWorld Corporate, he moved to Mexico to work for Grupo Vidanta leading technical development of Five Diamond Hotels, Theme Parks, Cruise Line, Restaurants, Nightclubs and Dayclubs. Later, Berger moved back to the United States and joined Bluegreen Vacations as AVP of Business Solutions.
At Sonny’s BBQ, Berger aims to seek holistic customer experience (CX) technology solutions that franchisees require to competitively serve guests in the increasingly digital restaurant landscape.
Berger will also oversee the company’s IT infrastructure and system integrations, while implementing and managing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information.
With nearly 100 locations spanning the Southeast, Sonny’s BBQ® is one of the largest barbecue restaurant brands in the country. Floyd “Sonny” Tillman and his wife, Lucille, founded Sonny’s BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, Fla. For more information, visit www.SonnysBBQ.com.
SOURCE: Sonny’s BBQ®