Roger J. Drake, a veteran marketing executive and media expert, has joined Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill as senior vice president of marketing. Drake, 52, most recently was SVP of marketing, corporate communications and sales for Morton’s Restaurant Group.
“We’re thrilled to add Roger’s experience and enthusiasm to our team,” says Smokey Bones president & CEO Chris Artinian. “He is a proven leader who understands all aspects of what it takes to build a brand and generate strong sales and guest traffic.”
Drake has more than two decades of expertise in sales building, social media, mobile marketing, and media relations. He also is experienced in sports marketing, and broadcast and television production.
“Smokey Bones is a fun, vibrant restaurant brand that is poised for growth,” Drake says. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to help Smokey Bones reach the next level.”
Prior to his career at Morton’s, Drake served as director of marketing for a healthcare agency in the Midwest. Earlier in his career he worked as a producer in sports marketing and broadcast production for Major League Baseball Productions, Philo Films, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Drake has received several recognitions, including an Emmy award for his broadcast television work. He also recently taught a social media class at Rutgers for their mini-MBA program. Drake joins a company that soon will begin opening new restaurants following improving sales and guest satisfaction over the past several months.
Smokey Bones is a full-service bar and fire-grill restaurant that operates 66 locations in 17 states and employs nearly 2,300 people.
