A SOUTHERN LEGACY
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Jack’s will always be proud to call the South home. As we continue to expand and innovate our offerings, the Southern hospitality our guests cherish still serves as a compass guiding our decisions. Can we please with over 250 locations in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi, it’s safe to say Jack’s truly is “All About the South.”
SOUTHERN STATE OF MIND
LEADERSHIP
Dana Taylor
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Dana Taylor joined Jack’s in 2021 and was named Chief Executive Officer in December 2025. Prior to this role, she held a series of leadership titles across Operations Services, Human Resources, and Operations, most recently serving as President & Chief Operating Officer. In her role as CEO, Dana is focused on strengthening Jack’s day-to-day operations while building a sustainable foundation that enables team members to grow, develop, and lead well into the future.
With more than 15 years of experience, Dana brings a unique blend of operational, financial, and strategic expertise to Jack’s. Prior to joining the company, she held leadership roles across finance, operations, innovation, and strategy at Panera Bread and Bain & Company. She earned her master’s degree from Harvard Business School and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas.
Outside of work, Dana enjoys hiking and spending time at the beach with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs. While Jack’s famous biscuits are her personal favorite, her family rarely passes a Jack’s without stopping for a milkshake.
Matthew Lallatin
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Matt joined Jack’s in October, 2016, and serves as Jack’s Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Jack’s, Matt worked in a variety of industries and with companies ranging in size from start-ups to global Fortune 10. Most recently, Matt was the CFO of CHEP North America, a leading global supply chain solutions company based in Atlanta. Prior to that role, Matt held a variety of progressively senior financial positions at Mrs. Fields, Savoy Pharmaceuticals, Kmart, and DaimlerChrysler. Matt holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Management in Provo, Utah. He is married with five children and loves living in the Birmingham area and eating a delicious Big Bacon burger when he has the chance.
Billie Jo Waara
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Billie Jo Waara, Chief Marketing Officer, joined Jack’s in January 2020. She is responsible for overall brand positioning, marketing, creative, media and culinary product development for this Southern company. Since joining the team, Billie Jo has launched several strategic initiatives including key technology-enabled Guest occasions such as online ordering and loyalty rewards. She has led innovative marketing initiatives for several industries including hospitality, quick service restaurants, travel, tourism and retail for the past 20 years.
Prior to joining Jack’s, Billie Jo served as the Chief Marketing Officer for other restaurant brands including Cicis Pizza and Taco John’s. Billie Jo’s previous experience includes advertising agency leadership, she was the Director of the South Dakota Office of Tourism and served as a locally elected official as the Minnehaha County Treasurer. Waara graduated from Augustana College with a double major in Business Administration and International Government, and received her MBA from the University
of South Dakota.
Billie Jo and her family recently moved to Birmingham and are having fun exploring the area’s many hiking and biking trails–they usually stop by Jack’s for fried chicken, mashed potatoes and lemonade milkshakes on their way back home.
Chris Incorvati
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Chris joined Jack’s in August 2024 and serves at Chief Technology officer overseeing the Information Technology teams for Jack’s.
Chris has 30+ years of restaurant experience as an operator and information technology leader. He has led award-winning teams recognized for innovations in technology and customer engagement.
Prior to joining Jack’s, Chris led technology teams at Panera, Au Bon Pain, and Legal Sea Foods. While at Legal Sea Foods his team rolled out the first enterprise point of sale in the US and the first Ingenico pay at table devices in North America. Chris brings a unique perspective to information technology with a strong background in restaurant operations. He is passionate about restaurant technology working to simplify operator and guest experiences. He believes in the philosophy of “Unreasonable Hospitality”. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Westfield State University. Chris is an avid sports fan and is loving the college sport scene in Alabama. Chris’s favorite Jack’s items are the chicken fingers with comeback sauce and Jack’s famous biscuits.
Melissa Johnston
Chief People Officer (CPO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Melissa Johnston leads with heart, and a belief that great restaurants start with great people. As Chief People Officer at Jack’s Family Restaurants, she guides our growing Southeastern brand known for its warm hospitality and community spirit. Since joining Jack’s, she’s focused on creating a people-first culture that supports team members at every level, from the restaurant to the support center.
With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources across the retail and restaurant industries, Melissa brings a practical, collaborative approach to everything she does. She oversees HRIS, talent acquisition, field HR, leave of absence, and risk & safety, all while ensuring these areas support operational excellence. Under her guidance, Jack’s emphasizes simple, reliable systems, compliance done right, and a safe, welcoming environment for every team member and guest.
A champion for development and retention, Melissa and her team have built high-impact programs that strengthen career growth, reduce turnover, and make Jack’s an employer of choice across the Southeast.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and recently relocated with her family to Birmingham. She’s been busy exploring the local food scene and SEC football. Her favorite Jack’s food item is the Big Jack although when she has her kids with her, tack on a few milkshakes as well.
Steve Lisner
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Todd Bartmess
Executive Chairman of the Board, Jack’s Family Restaurant
Todd Bartmess isn’t a stereotypical leader. After serving as Chief Executive Officer of Jack’s for 10 years, Todd transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, where he continues to provide strategic leadership and guidance for the brand.
Since joining Jack’s in 2015, Todd has immersed himself in every aspect of the business, from top-level operations to visiting individual restaurants and connecting directly with team members. He believes the company’s success is driven by the people who bring the brand to life every day and remains deeply passionate about developing strong leaders across the organization.
Todd brings more than 25 years of experience in the quick service restaurant industry. Prior to joining Jack’s, he served as President and CEO of Heartland Food LLC, the second-largest Burger King franchise operator in the world. His diverse career also includes leadership roles with Burger King, Dunkin’ Brands, Boston Market, and Taco Bell.
Outside of work, Todd enjoys staying active through hiking, biking, and running. He is committed to serving his community through volunteer work with his church and the Boy Scouts of America. Todd and his wife, Judy, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children, including his “awesome” granddaughter, Aurora. Depending on the day, his favorite Jack’s menu items include a double cheeseburger with extra pickles, chicken fingers with Comeback sauce, or a smoked sausage and egg biscuit.