Nicole is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience scaling fast-casual and full-service restaurant brands. Starting her career as a teenager in a bakery, she rose through the ranks at Tijuana Flats, transforming the brand from a single location into a 130-unit regional powerhouse. As Vice President of Finance and Business Development, Nicole led strategic growth initiatives, franchising, and joint ventures, culminating in her leadership role during the company’s successful sale to private equity.
At Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Nicole served as Executive Vice President and COO, driving its expansion from 14 to 150+ locations across 11 states. Named one of Nation’s Restaurant News’ most influential restaurant executives in 2022, Nicole is also a certified John Maxwell Coach, combining leadership development with deep operational expertise. Today, she partners with organizations to refine strategy, streamline operations, and unlock sustainable growth, with a proven track record of scaling brands to national success.