Casey's General Store names former Red Robin exec to top restaurant post

Iowa-based Casey's General Stores, Inc. has named Michelle Wickham as its vice president, food service, where she will lead the brand's $1.1 billion prepared food service business. In this role, Wickham will work to incorporate a "restaurant mindset for menu," at the brand, along with quality, consistency and innovation across the company's 16-state store footprint, a news release said. 

"Michelle's extensive experience in the restaurant industry will be crucial for the continuing elevation of our guests' experience with convenient food," said Tom Brennan, chief merchandising officer at Casey's General Stores, in the release. "We look forward to her leadership and the passion and energy she will bring in helping Casey's ensure our stores are consistently delivering delicious food and beverages, on-the-go, and at the highest quality."

Wickham has more than 30 years of restaurant industry experience, across quick service, fast casual and casual dining. Most recently, she served as vice president of culinary, category, R&D management and catering for Red Robin. Previously, Wickham worked in a number of operational, sales, and product development roles with Qdoba Mexican Eats, the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Seattle's Best, and Yum! Brands.

Casey's General Stores is a Fortune 500 company with more than 2,200 convenience stores in 16 states. The 50-year-old chain is the nation's fourth-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain.