Derek Kirk

Derek Kirk Email and Phone Number

Restaurant Marketing Executive with Strategic Growth & Branding focus| Championing Black-Owned Businesses @ A.Ray Hospitality
Derek Kirk's Location
Nashville, Tennessee, United States, United States
About Derek Kirk

With over two decades of experience, I am a seasoned restaurant marketing and branding executive who has consistently delivered exceptional results through my innovative approach to planning, project execution, and managing creative branding and marketing initiatives. Currently, I am building, expanding, and growing my passion projects – The Restaurant Nerd and soulPhoodie.The Restaurant Nerd specializes in offering strategic guidance and marketing expertise exclusively tailored to support black-owned food service establishments. We empower these businesses with comprehensive restaurant strategy and marketing services, ensuring their growth and prosperity in the industry.soulPhoodie proudly serve as the premier destination to shine a light on the innovative endeavors of brothers and sisters who are revolutionizing the food and beverage industry, and those that love to experience their food!Through my years of experience operating, consulting for, and growing businesses in the restaurant and retail section, I’ve grown a deep understanding of the nuances between local, national, and multicultural market dynamics, leveraging this expertise to drive strategic initiatives and achieve business growth based on their objectives. Throughout the years, I’ve worked as the Principal Consultant and interim Executive for a number of different companies including Fortune 500, regional giants, and local specialties. We’ve capitalized on optimized budget management (decreasing associated costs), revenue growth strategies, and if necessary, turn around operations to increase profitability and stop a sinking ship.Separate from the core business operations functions, I’ve been able to grow my own and my client’s customer base through dedicated, social media strategies, development, and management across digital platforms, as well as public relations and other branding in traditional and in person channels. Because we all know, at the end of the day - nothing beats words of mouth! I am open to discussing your next project, how I may be able to help build or optimize your business, or more dedicated and long-term opportunities. Feel free to reach out to me here or at derekkirk@gmail.com.Key Skills:Executive Leadership Revenue Growth Strategies Strategic Planning: Competitive Analysis; Strategic Marketing, and Profitability Analysis Branding and Social Media Marketing (SMM)Public Relations (PR), Media Buying, Off Premise Marketing

Derek Kirk's Current Company Details
A.Ray Hospitality

A.Ray Hospitality

View
Restaurant Marketing Executive with Strategic Growth & Branding focus| Championing Black-Owned Businesses
Derek Kirk Work Experience Details
  • A.Ray Hospitality
    Vice President Marketing
    A.Ray Hospitality Nov 2023 - Present
    Nashville, Tn, Us
  • Soulphoodie
    Founder
    Soulphoodie 2016 - Present
    soulPhoodie is a community that celebrates black food and beverage culture. soulPhoodie proudly serve as the premier destination to shine a light on the innovative endeavors of brothers and sisters who are revolutionizing the food and beverage industry, and those that love to experience their food!We are dedicated to spotlighting the stories and talents of creators who are pushing the boundaries in the realm of food and beverage. With a community of more that 180k followers across all platforms are a brand that informs, educates, and entertains those passionate about black food culture, (melanin not required, but strongly encouraged).As the Founder of soulPhoodie, my role is to set the vision and direction for our community, ensuring that we celebrate and uplift black food and beverage culture. I am responsible for cultivating partnerships, overseeing content creation, and guiding the overall growth and impact of soulPhoodie in the industry.Additionally, I manage the day-to-day operations, coordinate with our team of content creators, and engage with our passionate community of over 180k followers. I am focused on delivering informative, educational, and entertaining content that resonates with those who love and appreciate black food culture.
  • The Restaurant Nerd
    Founder & Principal Consultant
    The Restaurant Nerd 2020 - Apr 2024
    At The Restaurant Nerd, we specialize in offering strategic guidance and marketing expertise exclusively tailored to support food service establishments. Our consultancy is dedicated to empowering and assisting these businesses through comprehensive restaurant strategy and marketing services, ensuring their growth and prosperity in the industry.The Restaurant Nerd’s Key Services include:1. Brand Strategy: We provide comprehensive brand strategy services to define brand identity, target audience, and market positioning.2. Creative Development: Our team delivers unique concepts, designs, and campaigns to enhance brand recognition and engagement.3. Third Party Delivery and Virtual Restaurants: We optimize clients' presence and profitability in the digital space.4. Menu Development and Engineering: We create innovative menus that align with the brand and cater to customer preferences.5. Digital Marketing: We offer website development, social media management, SEO, CRM, and email marketing for online visibility and customer engagement.We deliver this through several available options for our partners including as courses, incubators, and one on one engagements. As the Founder and Principal Consultant, my role is to provide strategic guidance and expertise to food service establishments. I am responsible for developing customized strategies, conducting market analysis, and implementing effective marketing campaigns to drive growth and success for our clients in the competitive food service industry.
  • Nextbite
    Senior Director Brand Development
    Nextbite Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
    Denver, Co, Us
    Nextbite helps restaurants focus on what matters most and takes care of the rest. The only all-in-one virtual restaurant solution for existing restaurants and kitchens that pairs our proven online ordering/delivery management system with a selection of highly visible, on-trend, delivery brands.As the Senior Director of Brand Development at Nextbite, I led a team focused on creating and managing a diverse portfolio of virtual restaurants. My responsibilities included developing marketing strategies to drive brand awareness, conversion, average order value (AOV), and repeat sales through third-party delivery platforms. I also played a key role in successfully launching the Nestle Cookie delivery pilot, which resulted in significant improvements in conversion rates during the testing phase. Additionally, I was promoted to General Manager of the Dinner Bell brand, taking on additional responsibilities in operations and culinary strategy alongside marketing.Key Achievements: - Optimized and improved the overall user experience for a key new product, improving conversion rates by more than 75% during testing
  • Brooklyn Water Bagel Company
    Vice President Marketing
    Brooklyn Water Bagel Company 2017 - 2020
    The Brooklyn Water Bagel Company is an authentic and local New York style bagels and small batch roasted coffee company that can't be beat.In my role as VP of Marketing, I successfully achieved a 60% reduction in ad agency expenses by leveraging a pool of skilled freelancers. Additionally, I implemented a strategic pricing plan and integrated third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and ezCater, resulting in a remarkable 75% increase in off-premises sales with only a marginal 10% erosion in margins. Furthermore, I achieved a significant 7% increase in comparable sales for key restaurants in 2019. Our focus was on offering specialty water, specialty bagels, and specialty coffee, catering to the unique tastes of our valued customers.
  • Hurricane Grill & Wings
    Vice President Marketing
    Hurricane Grill & Wings 2013 - 2017
    West Palm Beach, Fl, Us
    At Hurricane Grill & Wings, we offer a unique wing dining experience that allows you to escape and unwind whenever you desire.I embarked on a transformative journey to enhance our brand's success and elevate the customer experience. Within just six months, I spearheaded a complete reengineering and redesign of our entire point-of-purchase (POP) portfolio, which included Core, 2Go, Kids, Beverage, and limited-time-offer (LTO) menus. This strategic initiative resulted in a significant improvement in customer satisfaction and a remarkable 7% increase in average check size, all accomplished without any price adjustments.Key Achievements:- Reengineered and redesigned entire POP portfolio, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a 7% boost in average check size without price increases.- Restructured team roles, resulting in a 75% increase in LSM tool activation, 100% compliance with LTO and marketing programs, and a 50% rise in marketing satisfaction scores.- Executed a comprehensive reconstruction of the marketing function, saving 20% of the marketing budget allocated to franchisee local marketing.
  • Vella Marketing Consulting
    President & Principal Consultant
    Vella Marketing Consulting 2012 - 2013
    Vella Marketing Consulting is an independent marketing consultant agency creating innovative marketing solutions for the restaurant and entertainment industries and advising private equity and independent investors on restaurant company acquisitions, startups, and strategies. Worked hand in hand with Buzztime as their Director of Business Development to create indirect sales channel for new restaurant gaming and entertainment product for publicly traded company. This involved creating a unique go-to-market strategy, operations plans, and compensation plans for new channel. Client List included: Goode Partners, Sun Capital, DIRECTV and Buzztime
  • Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
    Interim Senior Vice President (Svp) Of Marketing
    Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill Jan 2012 - Sep 2012
    Plantation, Fl, Us
    I was retained by Sun Capital as a consultant to tackle a substantial decline in revenue. Within the first 90 days, I successfully executed a new marketing communications plan that involved implementing strategies like point-of-purchase (POP) displays, loyalty programs, direct mail campaigns, and broadcast advertising. As a result, we achieved positive comparable sales for the first quarter in two years. Alongside the operations team, we collaborated to reduce in-restaurant discounts by 75% while minimizing any impact on guest frequency.
  • Directv
    General Manager-Bars And Resturants
    Directv 2010 - 2012
    El Segundo, Ca, Us
    At DIRECTV, our mission is to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience that goes above and beyond expectations.As the General Manager, I focused on our Bars and Restaurants Segment, I was recruited to address stagnating revenue in the $285M vertical. My responsibilities included implementing a segmentation-based sales strategy and focusing the dealer channel on Hispanic programming products, all with the goal of revitalizing the business and driving growth. Key Achievements: • Delivered 155% of annual sales goal and received the 2011 World Class Sales Award
  • Vella Marketing Consulting
    President
    Vella Marketing Consulting 2008 - 2010
    Independent marketing consultant creating innovative marketing solutions for the restaurant and entertainment industries and advising private equity and independent investors on restaurant company acquisitions, startups and strategies. Client List Included: Goode Partners, Sun Capital, DIRECTV and Buzztime
  • Real Mex Restaurants
    Vice President Brand Marketing-Chevys Fresh Mex
    Real Mex Restaurants 2006 - 2008
    Cypress, Ca, Us
  • Darden Restaurants
    Brand Manager Smokey Bones
    Darden Restaurants 2002 - 2006
    Orlando, Fl, Us
  • Darden Restaurants
    Brand Manager New Business Development The Olive Garden
    Darden Restaurants 1999 - 2002
    Orlando, Fl, Us
  • Darden Restaurants
    Manager National Advertising The Olive Garden
    Darden Restaurants 1995 - 1999
    Orlando, Fl, Us

Derek Kirk Skills

Marketing Strategy Marketing Strategy Direct Marketing Leadership Email Marketing Advertising Management Brand Management Public Relations Start Ups Budgets Marketing Research Marketing Communications Media Planning Social Media Creative Direction Crm Business Development Brand Positioning Strategies Creative Strategy Menu Development Budgeting Creative Developement Market Analysis Market Planning New Business Development

Derek Kirk Education Details

  • North Carolina Central University
    North Carolina Central University
    Finance
  • The Wharton School
    The Wharton School
    Entrepreneurial Management & Marketing
  • Webb School Of Knoxville
    Webb School Of Knoxville

Frequently Asked Questions about Derek Kirk

What company does Derek Kirk work for?

Derek Kirk works for A.ray Hospitality

What is Derek Kirk's role at the current company?

Derek Kirk's current role is Restaurant Marketing Executive with Strategic Growth & Branding focus| Championing Black-Owned Businesses.

What is Derek Kirk's email address?

Derek Kirk's email address is de****@****die.com

What is Derek Kirk's direct phone number?

Derek Kirk's direct phone number is +178536*****

What schools did Derek Kirk attend?

Derek Kirk attended North Carolina Central University, The Wharton School, Webb School Of Knoxville.

What skills is Derek Kirk known for?

Derek Kirk has skills like Marketing Strategy, Marketing, Strategy, Direct Marketing, Leadership, Email Marketing, Advertising, Management, Brand Management, Public Relations, Start Ups, Budgets.

Free Chrome Extension

Find emails, phones & company data instantly

Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Get Chrome Extension - Free

Aero Online

Your AI prospecting assistant

Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers

Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.