News

Cicis gets 'a li'l "crusty"' just in time for new CMO

May 31, 2017

Cicis is showing its customers a little summer love by featuring three stuffed crust pizzas to usher in the warmer days ahead, a news release said. Included in the trio is the return of that popular bacon-stuffed crust and a debut of its grilled cheese stuffed crust. The two varieties are now on the summer buffet along with the chain's original stuffed crust for $5 and change.

The bacon variety is topped and stuffed with bacon bits, as well as cheddar and mozzarella, while that grilled cheese version has a toasted cheddar-baked crust stuffed, topped with cheddar and mozzarella. The original stuffed crust pizza includes real mozzarella and tomato sauce, along with pepperoni.

The promotions are happening at the same time the Irving-based Cicis names its new chief marketing officer, Billie Jo Waara, a news release said. She joins as the company reports a turnaround over the past four years, with 16 consecutive quarters of same-store sales increases.

Waara most recently served as CMO at Cheyenne, Wyoming-based, Taco John’s, leading the chain’s 400 restaurants through a comprehensive brand transformation that included large-scale digital initiatives and culinary innovations. She joins Cicis as it continues its brand rebirth that started four years ago under CEO Darin Harris.

"Turning a brand around and getting it going in the right direction is only half the battle — you have to keep that momentum going with strong leadership," Harris said in a news release. "Billie Jo has an outstanding track record of working with transforming brands and we are confident in her ability to keep the Cicis success story moving forward."

Cicis has rebranded, improved food quality and guest satisfaction, updated restaurants, increased brand perception and introduced new menu items while also signing numerous new development agreements with franchise partners representing more than 70 new restaurant commitments in 12 states.