Ep 44: Deena McKinley is the CMO of Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
The two brands that form the focus of today’s episode are close to my heart, not only because their food is absolutely delicious, but also because Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo were the places where I worked my first and second jobs. Deena McKinley’s career path started out seemingly a long way away from these iconic restaurants, but as you’ll hear today, a lot of the skills she developed as an English teacher, have been very useful in her role as CMO. In this show, Deena and I discuss how she and her team have reignited these long-time favorite eateries through combining their historical allure with technological advancements. Technology and marketing are completely intertwined these days and Deena has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this realm. Deena shares what her three pronged marketing approach consists of, what she has achieved since becoming CMO, why she doesn’t see third party delivery apps as a threat, and the importance of asking questions. All the talk of turkey sandwiches and cheeseburger subs will no doubt have your mouth watering, so make sure you have a Papa Gino’s or D’Angelo is close by when you listen to this!
Key Points From This Episode:
Parallels between the skills Deena required in her original profession and those she requires now.
My personal connection to Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo.
What inspired Deena to work for these two brands.
How both brands have evolved over time.
The big push that was sparked by a change in ownership of the brands.
Deena explained the three pronged marketing strategy that she and her team used to get the brands where they wanted them to be.
Some of the unique sandwiches D’Angelo has on offer.
How the Papa Gino’s dining concept has changed.
What Deena’s FSTEC session consists of.
Deena explains what her initial role involved, when she was brought on as CMO.
The relationship Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo have with third party delivery services.
Why Deena doesn’t see third party delivery apps as a threat.
Growth plans for Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo in the coming years.
How Deena believes brands differentiate themselves.
Deena’s take on the importance of third party review sites.
Valuable career advice from Deena.
Why marketing teams and tech teams should work hand in hand from the very beginning.
The community building programs run by Papa Gino’s and D’Angelo.
Different marketing strategies used by the brands across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Tweetables:
“What inspired me to join this company was all of the stories that people have to tell about these brands. Because there's passion and there are raving fans and anyone that you talk to about Papa Gino’s or D’Angelo.” — Deena McKinley [0:06:15]
“We’re all over the places where normal, modern brands should be, yet we still have that same old-fashioned neighborhood feel.” — Deena McKinley [0:07:11]
“Always ask questions, because you have to always want to know why things are done. Never assume that because somebody else says something that it is how it is and it just has to be that way. Because that's not the case.” — Deena McKinley [0:35:24]
“Technology and marketing are so intertwined now, that whenever you're working on taking in a new marketing technology, all the questions have to be asked upfront.” — Deena McKinley [0:38:48]