Fast-casual executive honored for innovative leadership in the face of global pandemic

DUBLIN, Ohio—Diane Reed, CFO at City Barbeque, has been named to the Columbus Smart 50, Smart Business Columbus magazine’s annual list of Central Ohio’s 50 top executives.

Established in 2014, the Smart 50 Awards recognize the top executives of the region’s 50 smartest companies for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. The 2020 honorees were recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 5, celebrating achievements in innovation, impact, and sustainability.

Reed joined City Barbeque in June 2019 and immediately set to work furthering the brand on its path to becoming one of the region’s most forward-thinking companies. Her guidance allowed the company to preserve liquidity needs through the COVID-19 crisis, allowing plans for growth to continue. Reed was key in the brand’s rapid adjustment to the pandemic, rolling out new revenue channels and bolstering sales to nearly pre-COVID numbers.

“It’s an honor to be included in this year’s Smart 50 cohort, but the recognition truly belongs to the team here at City Barbeque,” Reed said. “The innovation and growth we’ve been able to achieve this year would have been impossible without their flexibility, imagination, and resilience.” City Barbeque Founder and CEO Rick Malir, himself honored at the 2018 Smart 50 Awards, said, “We’re proud to have Diane on the team and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. She’s been invaluable during this crisis, helping us find ways to realize our long-term goals without losing sight of our core values.”

Other recent recognition for City Barbeque includes a Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, a spot on the Fast Casual Top 100, and a Best Practices Award from TDn2K, all in 2019. In 2018, the company was named Best Employer in Columbus CEO’s annual Best of Business Awards.

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About City Barbeque
At City Barbeque, folks wake up early to make the city’s best barbeque: every day, at every restaurant, teammates slow-smoke award-winning barbeque and craft homemade sides and desserts. City Barbeque also caters incredible events, providing personalized, friendly, and affordable service for events large or small, formal or laid-back. The company is devoted to supporting its teammates and the communities it serves and prioritizes giving back to local charities and non-profits. City Barbeque teammates are dedicated to providing competition-quality barbeque and genuine backyard hospitality; to improving themselves and their processes a little every day; and to staying true to their purpose: to serve and create happiness. For more information, visit City Barbeque at www.citybbq.com, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Media contact
Elizabeth Grunewald
Marketing Project Specialist, City Barbeque
egrunewald@citybbq.com