Krispy Krunchy Chicken has named Matt Testa its chief operating officer, the company announced this week. In his role, Testa will be responsible for building out the company’s sales and operations teams.
Testa brings more than two decades of c-store industry experience to Krispy Krunchy Chicken. He spent 23 years with travel center company Pilot, starting as a general manager in May 2000 and working his way through multiple training and operations positions through the years, according to his LinkedIn bio. His final role with Pilot was a six-year stint as zone vice president of operations.
He also spent several months as an executive advisor with EG America on a contract basis, during which he advised the CEO and other executives on how to shape their short- and long-term goals and strategies, particularly around their operations, according to LinkedIn.
“Matt brings us a proven track record of success and growth in c-stores,” said Jim Norberg, CEO for Krispy Krunchy Chicken. “He has a visionary approach for leading teams to maximize impact, efficiency, and ease for operators.”
Norberg was Krispy Krunchy’s previous COO, but he moved from that position to president in 2023 before becoming CEO in January 2024, a company spokesperson said.
Testa joins the team as Krispy Krunchy Chicken is in the middle of a big growth push. The company announced earlier this year that it was targeting a total of 3,500 stores carrying its product by the end of 2024. According to Wednesday’s press release, it has licensed about 3,000 locations so far.
This growth is part of Krispy Krunchy’s “Core Four” plan, a strategy that includes adding new locations and boosting same-store sales and operator profitability. In his new role, Testa will be in a position to support these goals.
“I am thrilled to join the Krispy Krunchy team, and am committed to fueling our growth as we expand our presence across the country,” said Testa. “The brand is continuing a very exciting evolution and I am honored to help steer the organization through thoughtful and strategic processes that will allow the company to grow and remain a leader in our space.”