Everbowl’s New President Is Applying Her Marketing Prowess to Leadship

She’s since carried those passions into the workplace as brand president of fast-casual concept Everbowl, known for its good-for-you menu options including acai bowls, smoothies and toast.

“I’m one of those people that wake up at 4 a.m. and go to the gym every day at 5 a.m. It’s a big part of my life,” Gabele said. “The idea of working for a brand that’s really aligned with my lifestyle and my passions is always something that’s been important to me.”

Gabele joined the 105-unit franchise in a fractional role in June and officially took the reins at the end of August, adding to her 25-plus years in marketing, brand and product strategy.

Prior to Everbowl, Gabele worked at Jack in the Box for nearly a decade, most recently as the vice president of product marketing and culinary innovation. Everbowl also recently welcomed Natalie Trzcinski, Jack in the Box’s former senior director of training and development, as chief operating officer.

“The restaurant space is tough right now. There’s a lot of constraints, and consumer spending is pulling back in a lot of areas,” Gabele said. “A lot of things that were very tough to solve quickly at older, more established brands … are not issues at Everbowl because we’re only 10 years old. The things that need attention are things I know how to do.”

Systemwide initiatives are being established through first recognizing Everbowl’s core customer base. That label isn’t exclusive to everyday consumers, Gabele said.

“When you’re company-owned, you know your customer is your guest—the person coming in to purchase your food. When you’re a franchise model, your customer becomes the franchisee in a lot of ways,” she said. “I’m trying to focus a lot on getting to know our franchisees, understanding what’s going on in their business and what areas they need more support in.”

This is where Gabele’s marketing experience comes to play, as she identifies trends in menu innovation—noting protein and fiber as top of mind—brings attention to the brand’s coffee menu and catering options, and turns prospective franchisees on to the company’s lower construction and operational costs by way of smaller store buildouts, fewer ingredients and a development relationship with sister brand WeBuild Global, a construction company created by Everbowl founder Jeff Fenster.

“I’m leaving every day feeling really accomplished and like I’ve made an impact,” Gabele said. “That’s a really fulfilling feeling.