Rewriting the Recipe: Transformation Support for a Legacy QSR

The Client

Founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1952, our client is one of the most iconic names in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. With more than 1,700 locations across 24 countries and system-wide sales of $1.2 billion, the brand is among the largest quick-service chicken concepts in the world. Known for its bold Southern hospitality and authentic home-style offerings, the company continues to serve affordable, high-quality meals to families around the globe.

As the organization entered a new chapter of growth and transformation, it sought to modernize its business model and enhance its strategic planning capabilities.

The Challenge

The client was undergoing an enterprise-wide transformation and required a Strategy & Transformation Consultant to provide immediate support to the Head of Strategy. The role demanded someone with strong consulting rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to execute in a fast-paced, operationally complex environment.

Key requirements included:

• 3–5 years of experience at a top-tier management consulting firm
• Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution
• Flexibility to operate in an interim-to-perm capacity
• GTM experience preferred, but not required

This individual would contribute to mission-critical strategic initiatives, including performance improvement, innovation, and transformation planning.

Our Approach

We launched a targeted search for high-performing strategy consultants with experience in complex, consumer-facing environments. The ideal candidate needed to be comfortable in ambiguity, capable of independent problem-solving, and able to work closely with C-level stakeholders on initiatives with significant enterprise impact.

Search priorities included:

• Strategy generalists from Top 8 consulting firms
• Titles ranging from Consultant to Manager, including pre-MBA profiles
• Experience with transformation strategy, trend analysis, and business case development
• Preference for candidates open to interim-to-perm arrangements

We focused on identifying individuals who paired strategic rigor with the emotional intelligence to operate effectively within a legacy brand undergoing change.

The Placement

The candidate selected brought a compelling mix of consulting pedigree, entrepreneurial spirit, and cross-functional expertise:

• Harvard MBA with a strong foundation in strategy and operations, and experience in both corporate and independent consulting roles
• Track record of managing enterprise-level strategy projects and using customer insights to drive decision-making
• Experience supporting business model innovation, digital transformation, and technology implementation
• A unique combination of analytical thinking, business planning, and digital marketing acumen
• Recognized for her ability to lead through ambiguity, build strong teams, and execute against evolving priorities

She offered the rare ability to balance strategic insight with hands-on execution—an essential trait for navigating transformation within a fast-moving consumer brand.

The Outcome

The consultant quickly embedded within the strategy team, supporting several high-impact initiatives related to digital transformation, customer experience, and operational modernization. Her ability to synthesize trends, build frameworks, and collaborate cross-functionally accelerated progress on key initiatives.

The interim engagement created a strong foundation for long-term success. By delivering immediate value and establishing trusted relationships across the organization, the consultant positioned herself as a valuable asset—contributing to the brand’s strategic evolution in a highly competitive QSR landscape.