Derek Kirk Joins Hurricane Grill & Wings Executive Team

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, April 19, 2014 (Press-News.org) Franchise restaurant Hurricane Grill & Wing, announced today that Derek Kirk has joined the brand's executive team as Chief Marketing Officer. As Hurricane Grill & Wings continues to rapidly expand, Kirk will craft a unique and compelling brand position and marketing strategy for the tropical full-service brand known for its more than 35 flavors of sauces and rubs.

With more than 15 years of marketing experience in the restaurant industry, Kirk began his career with Darden Restaurants working in various roles on the Olive Garden and Smokey Bones brands. Most recently, he served as President of Bella Marketing Consulting and prior to that, interim Vice President of Marketing for Smokey Bones and Vice President of Marketing for Chevys Fresh Mex. As Chief Marketing Officer, Kirk will work collaboratively with Hurricane Grill & Wings' franchise community and executive team to produce compelling and effective national programs and campaigns as well as provide support and direction for interactive, loyalty and local marketing.

"I am excited for the opportunity to nurture and mold this unique brand in partnership with our executive team, franchise community and our agency Doner," said Derek Kirk, Hurricane Grill & Wings Chief Marketing Officer.

"Derek is an important addition to the Hurricane Grill & Wings leadership team, helping to increase brand presence as we continue our national expansion," said Martin O'Dowd, president of Hurricane Grill & Wings. "It's a pleasure to have such a skilled professional leading this fundamental aspect of our business, bringing a fresh prospective and driving innovation into our brand.

For more information about Hurricane Grill & Wings, please visit http://www.HurricaneWings.com.

About Hurricane Grill & Wings
With 58 locations in seven states, Florida-based Hurricane Grill & Wings is known for its jumbo, fresh wings, more than 35 signature sauces and rubs and tropical, laid-back vibe. Named by USA Today as one of "10 Great Places to Wing It," selected as one of the "Future 50" by Restaurant Business and as one of Franchise Times "Top 40 Fast and Serious", Hurricane Grill & Wings' menu includes crave-able Hurricane's Garlic & Parm fries, tasty salads, seafood entrees and fresh ½ pound Angus burgers. The brand's signature Hurricane Bumby tops the list of its tropical drinks menu, along with a wide selection of craft beers and wines.

The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Fla., in 1995 and has expanded to locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Texas, with additional restaurants planned nationwide.