Firebirds' Marketing Head Named Most Influential Marketing Leader

Stephen Loftis, vice president of marketing for the award-winning Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, has been named one of “Top 13 Restaurant Industry’s Most Influential Marketing Leaders” by FSR Magazine, a leading restaurant industry publication.

According to the magazine, this prestigious honor comes in the midst of ongoing COVID-19 challenges, which have made owning and operating restaurants more difficult than ever. The award is for those who have risen to the challenge with adjusted strategies and new ways of work.

“The pandemic has rattled so many corners of the restaurant industry. One of the most understated has been marketing and these leading marketers on our list have left the broad and mass communication efforts of old in the rearview mirror,” the magazine states. “They have trail-blazed what conversations between restaurants and their customers look like in the present and future of foodservice.”

Loftis, in his eighth year with Firebirds and 20 years in the foodservice industry, continues to lead the company’s marketing efforts through the pandemic, with an eye toward the future.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized in this way and it is certainly a testament to our collective team and amazing brand,” Loftis said. “It’s special for Firebirds to be a part of this list and among leading restaurant brands.”

“Stephen’s forward-thinking mindset and solid strategies have earned him this high honor,” said Firebirds CEO Stephen Kislow. “We are proud of his accomplishments and his commitment to the Firebirds brand.”

Prior to joining Firebirds, Loftis was vice president of marketing for Café Enterprises, Inc., operator of the Fatz Café, Tavern 24 and Tablefields concepts. He previously provided his marketing expertise to Marriott Hotels, W Hotels, Spa Sydell, BI-LO, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins.

Firebirds, a contemporary-polished restaurant, is an energetic twist on the traditional grill featuring a boldly flavored, classic American steakhouse and sustainable seafood menu in an inviting, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut steaks, and fresh seafood hand-filleted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak or pecan wood in Firebirds’ scratch kitchen and exposed wood-fired grill.

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About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a contemporary-polished restaurant, is an energetic twist on the traditional grill featuring a boldly flavored, classic American steakhouse and sustainable seafood menu in an inviting, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut steaks, and fresh seafood hand-fileted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak or pecan wood in Firebirds’ scratch kitchen and exposed wood-fired grill. The open, stylish, enticing décor incorporates wood-fired themes and entertaining spaces, such as the outdoor patio with seasonal comforts and the award-winning FIREBAR®. The restaurant has been named one of ten ‘Breakout Brands’ by Nation’s Restaurant News, and the 2021 Diners’ Choice Winner awarded by OpenTable. Popular specialties include Wine Down Mondays, happy hour, artisan cocktails, craft beer, bourbon, after dinner drinks and Firebirds’ private label wine. In keeping with its mission, “To Serve, Enrich and Exceed,” Firebirds supports ever-growing sustainability efforts throughout its restaurants and partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, with more than $2.6 million raised for childhood cancer research through the sale of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Visit firebirdsrestaurants.com to become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle, make an OpenTable reservation or order ToGo online.