Longtime brand leader elevated to drive marketing strategy across SPB’s diverse restaurant portfolio
Houston, TX (RestaurantNews.com) SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group, announced the promotion of Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to recognizing and advancing exceptional talent from within its organization.
Hohl first joined SPB Hospitality in 2018 as a Senior Marketing Manager for Logan’s Roadhouse, and has steadily risen through the company ranks from her home base in Nashville. Over the past seven years, she has helped shape and elevate marketing strategies across SPB’s portfolio, which spans quick-service, casual-plus and fine dining concepts. Her leadership has been instrumental to driving measurable sales growth, strengthening guest connections and positioning SPB’s brands for long-term success.
“Kristen has played a key role in elevating our brands and building stronger connections with guests,” said Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “She brings a rare balance of creativity and data-driven strategy that has delivered measurable results across the portfolio. This promotion reflects her leadership and the impact she’s had. I’m confident she will continue to strengthen our culture and drive the growth of our brands nationwide.”
Hohl’s career trajectory within SPB reflects her talent for leadership and innovation. She was promoted to Marketing Director in 2020 and to Senior Director of Marketing in 2022. She was subsequently named Vice President of Marketing in 2023 and, in 2024, elevated to Senior Vice President of Marketing. Across these roles, she took on increasing responsibility for brand strategy, national campaigns and franchise partner support, driving gains in traffic and trial, brand relevancy and profitability while deepening collaboration between marketing and operations – a hallmark of her leadership style.
In her new role as EVP of Marketing, Hohl will oversee the evolution and execution of marketing, culinary, and beverage strategies as well as concept development for all SPB brands – including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse – ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term objectives while fostering innovation and franchisee success.
“At its core, SPB is about Serving People Better, whether that’s creating memorable experiences for our guests or supporting the incredible teams behind our brands,” said Hohl. “I’m honored to continue leading with that purpose and helping our brands grow stronger and more connected in communities across the country.”
About SPB Hospitality
SPB Hospitality operates a diverse portfolio of quick-service and full-service dining restaurants across 35 states. Its brands include Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, and high-end concepts like J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill, alongside Chef Jose Garces’ Amada and Village Whiskey. Visit SPBHospitality.com to learn more.
About Fortress Investment Group LLC
Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $49 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024, on behalf of over 2,000 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies. To learn more, visit Fortress.com.
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Betsy DeMik
Champion
214-500-1132
bdemik@championmgt.com