DAVID ELLIS

David has over 25 years of marketing experience, with the last 15+ years in restaurant companies, including Darden and Yum Brands, and most recently as the head of marketing for regional restaurant brands O’Charley’s, Uncle Julio’s, and Friendly’s.

David has extensive experience in marketing, new product development, and advertising for national and regional brands, in both turnaround and high growth situations.  This includes the successful turnaround of O’Charley’s with effective marketing platforms such as Free Pie Wednesday, and Prime Rib Lovers’ Weekend, and at Friendly’s with the Happy Endings Menu and brand relaunch. It also includes high growth / new restaurant openings with Uncle Julio’s, which included the launch of a new integrated advertising campaign.

Earlier in his career David was the Vice President of Marketing for KFC and held marketing leadership positions at Darden Restaurants, for both Olive Garden and Red Lobster, including positions in brand management, national promotions, and menu strategy. Notably, he helped to develop the Sea Food Differently campaign at Red Lobster, which reversed multiple years of declining sales. David began his career in consumer packaged goods, with time at Unilever and ConAgra Foods.

David’s Marketing teams partner with Operations and Training to extend the brand positioning across the company to encompass the menu, restaurant design, digital and social media, delivery, and guest service.    

David holds a BA in history from The University of Georgia and an MBA in marketing from Vanderbilt University.