Josh Kern is the Chief Executive Officer for SPB Hospitality, a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants, spanning a national footprint of hundreds of restaurants and breweries in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Kern is a seasoned restaurant executive with extensive marketing experience. He has served in various leadership roles with SPB Hospitality and other notable restaurant brands.
Kern joined SPB Hospitality in 2018 as Chief Marketing Officer before taking on the role of President of Concepts, where he oversaw marketing, culinary, beverage, supply chain and information technology. He was named Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2022. Now as the permanent CEO, Kern has expressed a people-first vision for the multi-brand company.
Kern’s other restaurant experience includes Chief Marketing Officer for Cerca Trova Restaurant Concepts, Chief Marketing Officer for Smashburger and Vice President of Marketing for Quiznos.
Josh Kern has also dedicated his marketing and advertising expertise to other industries. He has served as Executive Vice President Commercial Sales for The Comex Group, Chief Marketing Officer for American Blue Ribbon Holdings, Account Supervisor for The Integer Group, and Account Supervisor for J. Walter Thompson.
Prior to developing his marketing and restaurant career, Josh Kern spent three years serving as a legislative aide with the United States Senate.
Josh Kern holds a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University. He has also been a long-time volunteer for Food for Thought.