Guthrie's Appoints Tom Carr as New Chief Executive Officer for Growth and Expansion

Guthrie's Welcomes New Leadership

Guthrie's, the pioneer of chicken finger restaurants, has announced the appointment of Tom Carr as President and CEO of Guthrie's Franchising, Inc. This significant decision comes shortly after the brand celebrated its monumental 60th anniversary, positioning itself for future growth and increased presence in the food industry.

With over 25 years of extensive leadership and marketing expertise, Tom Carr steps into this pivotal role after his successful tenure at Chicken Salad Chick, where he played a crucial part in the brand's remarkable expansion. Carr's efforts as Chief Marketing Officer were instrumental in the growth of Chicken Salad Chick from just 50 locations to an impressive 325 outlets across 23 states within a decade.

Tom Carr expressed his excitement about joining Guthrie's, remarking, "As a longtime fan of the original chicken finger restaurant concept, I am honored to join Guthrie's in this role. Guthrie's has carved out a niche in the booming restaurant industry, which has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar market for chicken fingers. I look forward to steering the brand into its next chapter while continuing to provide the delicious chicken fingers and family-oriented hospitality that laid the foundation of this beloved establishment."

Before his time with Chicken Salad Chick, Carr held senior marketing positions at globally recognized brands including Discovery Networks (now Warner Brothers Discovery), Spanx, Nike, and Turner Broadcasting. He began his career managing advertising strategies for Coca-Cola and was a pivotal player in the launch of the famous "Pizza! Pizza!" campaign for Little Caesars.

Carr, a Princeton University alumnus, has been recognized as a leader in his field, receiving accolades such as Top CMO 2025 from Fast Casual and being listed among Entrepreneur's Top 50 Game Changer CMOs. He takes over from Joe Kelly Guthrie, a member of the founding family, who previously held the CEO position.

Joe Kelly Guthrie shared his enthusiasm for Carr's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to have Tom Carr joining our team this year as President and CEO of Guthrie's. Tom is not only accomplished but also brings a strategic vision that will respect and honor Guthrie's legacy while propelling us into a new and exciting phase. His experience with scaling iconic brands, while preserving their core values, gives me confidence that he will lead Guthrie's Franchising to new heights."

Founded in Haleyville, Alabama in 1965, Guthrie's has established itself as a family-owned restaurant that prioritizes high-quality, affordable food. The brand revolutionized the fast-food sector in 1982 by becoming the first to create a chicken finger-only restaurant, solidifying its status as a trailblazer. For over 40 years, Guthrie's has perfected its signature chicken fingers and its iconic Guthrie's Signature Sauce, a recipe that has seldom been replicated. The brand is committed to high-quality offerings, including chicken fingers, fries, slaw, and toast, ensuring that customers receive the best without compromises.

As Guthrie's aims for aggressive expansion in 2026, Tom Carr’s leadership is expected to help amplify its reach across the United States. For more information and to stay up to date with Guthrie's latest developments, visit Guthrie's official website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.