Dive Brief:
- Rutter’s has named Philip Santini as its new senior director of advertising and food service, according to an emailed press release on Monday.
- Santini brings around a decade of experience in the food and hospitality industries — with a focus on developing QSRs — to the newly created role.
- Rutters brings Santini on board as the company continues to evolve its foodservice program and prepare for a sizable expansion over the next few years.
Dive Insight:
Before joining Rutters this month, Santini helped launch the QSR program at the Tin Building, a New York City food emporium. Prior to that, he spent more than three years as the QSR general manager for Eataly, an Italian food and drink marketplace. In that role he managed nine QSRs, including training their teams and testing new menu options, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He also served over two years as assistant general manager and then general manager of a Le Pain Quotidien, a Belgian bakery and restaurant.
"We’re thrilled to have Philip Santini join the Rutter’s team," said Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter’s, in the announcement. "His extensive experience in growing multiple food service operations, coupled with his proven leadership abilities, make him a valuable addition to our organization. I’m confident that Philip will bring fresh ideas and innovative strategies to our food service and advertising teams."
Rutter’s has augmented its foodservice program this year with a new rotating menu of limited-time options, with the latest three items rolling out in late June. The retailer has also given customers more ways to order fresh food by adding online ordering to its website and app. Customers can place an order ahead and pick up at the store.
York, Pennsylvania-based Rutter’s also plans to add dozens of new stores over the next few years, including expansions to two new states — Delaware and Virginia.
The company currently owns c-stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, along with a dairy and beverage company and a real estate company.
