HOSPITALITY & TOURISM.

KATHIE NIVEN

CEO | Biscuitville

Greensboro

When Kathie Niven joined family-owned Biscuitville as brand officer in 2011, she began to make her mark on the North Carolina-based chain that opened its first restaurant in 1975 across the Virginia line in Danville.

She oversaw the brand's positioning itself as "Fresh Southern," as well as new menu options such as the popular spicy chicken and honey biscuit. The Elon University graduate, who has a degree in English, drew upon her earlier marketing experience with Arby's, Burger King,

Krispy Kreme and Quizno'sto build a team within Biscuitville responsible for communications and marketing initiatives, public relations and social media. She started a collegiate summer internship program to develop talent.

In 2018, the company named her president, and in 2021 she became CEO, succeeding Burney Jennings, who is executive chair. He is the son of the late company founder Maurice Jennings.

When Niven became CEO, the brand known for opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 2 p.m. had about 62 stores, mostly in the Triad and eastern North Carolina, as well as Virginia. It now has 74, with two more planned in the South Carolina towns of Hartsville and Florence, its first in the

Palmetto State. The recent growth has come from initial restaurants in Fayetteville, Greenville and Winston-Salem, along with some suburban towns near Charlotte.

Since Niven joined Biscuitville's executive leadership, annual revenue has increased from $55 million to $150 million. She also has helped grow the average sales per restaurant to more than $2 million annually, according to the company.

In March, Elon University added Niven to its Distinguished Alumni list.

Favorite family tradition: Camping with the entire extended family. (A 45-year tradition)

Favorite N.C. place to visit: New Bern, Beaufort & Wrightsville Beach

What do you listen to on your commute: Lifestyle books or TV streaming shows--don't shame me!

Major inspiration: Brene Brown

Career highlight: Rebranding 100% of Biscuitville's facility portfolio Favorite hobby after work: Cook with the family, gardening and travel

Best advice to industry newcomer: Keep a long-term view of success and be careful not to get sidetracked on short-term losses or environmental shifts.

Key industry change in next five years: Gas stations becoming viable restaurant options. More ghost kitchens and reduced brick-and-mortar restaurant brands.

JOSE ARMARIO

CEO | Bojangles

Charlotte

The spicy-chicken chain founded in Charlotte in 1977 is growing aggressively under the University of Miami graduate's lead since he took the post in 2019. He has pressed for expansions into Ohio, New York and Texas. The chain's 800th store that opened last year marked the first in Louisiana. The company launched alcoholic sweet tea in the Carolinas with Appalachian Mountain Brewing.

Favorite family tradition: Cuban tradition involves throwing a dirty bucket of water out at midnight New Year's Eve to forget the bad. We eat 12 grapes to bring good luck in each month of the new year. We toast the new year with Cidra, a Spanish-apple sparkling cider.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: Bojangles for biscuits, chicken and tea.

What do you listen to on your commute: News

Major inspiration: My Mom sacrificed bringing up two boys, and as Cuban immigrants, it reminds me of how our country provides opportunities if you work hard. I have been blessed with an incredible family, and would never want to let them down.

Career highlight: Becoming Bojangles 'CEO and moving to Charlotte.

Favorite hobby after work: Spending time and playing golf with my wife, Mary. My best supporter and critic.

Best advice to industry newcomer: Folks in the restaurant are your most important assets. Take care of them and business will do well.

Key industry change in next five years:

More digital convenience and access to allow customers to interact with business. Labor is more precious and valuable.

BILL BODDIE

president, CEO | Boddie-Noell Enterprises

Rocky Mount

He's been at the helm since 1990, when he succeeded his father, Mayo, a prominent civic and philanthropic leader. Formed in 1962, the family-owned business remains the largest Hardee's franchisee, with 334 sites in four states as of November 2022. Boddie-Noell also develops real estate such as the Currituck Club at the Outer Banks.

BILL CECIL JR.

president | Biltmore Co.

Asheville

Cecil oversees the 250-room Biltmore House, the centerpiece of the estate developed by great-grandfather George Vanderbilt. It welcomes about 1.4 million tourists annually, and includes a winery. Cecil heads a staff of more than 2,000. "A Biltmore Christmas" will be part of the 2023 Hallmark movie lineup.

JOHN 'JACK' CECIL

president, CEO | Biltmore Farms

Asheville

The UNC Chapel Hill graduate presides over real-estate projects such as a shopping mall, medical offices, hotels and a 1,000home development. Hejoined Biltmore Farms in 1984 and was named president and CEO in 1992. The company's legacy dates back to George Vanderbilt, scion of industrialist William Henry Vanderbilt.

ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN

owner | AC Restaurants

Raleigh

The N.C. State University graduate has been named one of the nation's best chefs multiple times. Raleigh restaurants include Poole's Diner, Beasley's Chicken + Honey, and Death & Taxes. She...