News Summary
Casey’s has appointed Joe Cruz as its first-ever Chief Beer and Pizza Officer, marking a bold step in their rebranding strategy. With Cruz at the helm, Casey’s aims to enhance its presence as the ‘Official Beer and Pizza Headquarters,’ driving brand partnerships and community engagement. His innovative social media efforts have already significantly grown Casey’s online following, and his hands-on approach promises to invigorate the customer experience. The future looks bright for pizza enthusiasts at Casey’s!
Introducing Casey’s New Chief Beer and Pizza Officer!
Exciting news is bubbling up from Casey’s, a beloved convenience store chain that has recently taken pizza lovers by storm. In a delightful twist, the company has appointed Joe Cruz as its first-ever Chief Beer and Pizza Officer, officially commencing his role in February 2023—just in time for National Pizza Day!
A New Era for Casey’s
As part of a major rebranding effort launched in the fall of 2023, Casey’s is positioning itself as the “Official Beer and Pizza Headquarters.” With this new message, the company is making waves and securing its spot among the top five largest pizza chains in the United States. Talk about a big slice of the pie!
The Man Behind the Pizza
Joe Cruz, who hails from Lincoln, Nebraska, came out on top in a nationwide search that attracted over 500 applicants for this unique role. What set Cruz apart? Well, his resume was anything but conventional. It included a detailed account of his pizza and beer experiences, complete with around 100 references! Now that’s dedication.
From Social Media to the Boardroom
Cruz rose to popularity during the pandemic, where he gained a loyal following on Instagram by posting engaging content that had people laughing and craving pizza. His knack for creating entertaining posts was key to boosting Casey’s social media presence. Today, Casey’s has nearly 45,000 followers on Instagram and enjoys 85,000 likes on TikTok—all thanks to Cruz’s efforts!
Building Connections Across the Midwest
Part of Cruz’s responsibilities involves traveling throughout the Midwest to enhance brand partnerships and develop content strategies. He has made much-anticipated trips to established brands like Molson Coors in Milwaukee and Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, solidifying Casey’s connections in the beer and pizza landscape.
Engaging with the Community
But Cruz doesn’t just focus on social media. He’s making a tangible impact in the community as well! Recently, he made headlines by delivering pizza at a Make-A-Wish launch party, where he joyfully announced a family’s upcoming trip to Disney. It’s moments like these that truly embody Casey’s mission to bring joy to its customers.
A Commitment to Authenticity
Casey’s innovative strategy of hiring a Chief Beer and Pizza Officer showcases the company’s dedication to creating authentic and engaging marketing experiences. According to Katie Petru, director of communications at Casey’s, Cruz’s influence plays a vital role in elevating brand awareness and innovating the company’s strategy.
Exciting Events Ahead
Recently, Cruz showcased his flair for public speaking as the emcee at Casey’s Supplier Awards Dinner and even took on the role of judge at the prestigious C3 Pizza Competition. His diverse engagements further enhance the customer experience, proving that he is not just a figurehead but an active participant in the pizza and beer culture.
Join the Pizza Party!
As Casey’s embraces its new identity as the go-to destination for pizza and beer enthusiasts, the future looks deliciously bright. There’s never been a better time to grab a slice and a cold one from Casey’s while celebrating the creativity and engagement brought forth by Joe Cruz’s role as the Chief Beer and Pizza Officer. The pizza party is just getting started!
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Additional Resources
- Quad-City Times
- Wikipedia: Casey’s General Store
- Casey’s Official Website
- Google Search: Joe Cruz Chief Beer and Pizza Officer Casey’s
- Joe Cruz LinkedIn Profile
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
