Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is building momentum with the addition of four seasoned leaders to its executive team: Abby Rock as vice president of marketing; Ashley Balluff as vice president of training and culinary services; Jenny Culp as vice president of purchasing and supply chain; and Christopher Anschutz as vice president of restaurant operations.
Happy Joe’s CEO, President and Chief Happiness Officer Tom Sacco—who was featured on PMQ’s January-February 2025 cover—is building the leadership of the future brand. He’s blending internal promotions of two current and successful executives, each with 20-plus years of experience at Happy Joe’s, along with two seasoned leaders that bring 20-plus years of professional experience with franchisees and/or affiliated independent operators being supported through successful collective leadership, blending and setting in motion the long-term strategy for continuous improvement and growth.
The expanded team will guide brand strategy, training and culinary standards, procurement and distribution, as well as day‑to‑day restaurant operations across company and franchise locations. According to a press release, their collective focus is to deliver best-in-class support to franchisees while protecting the magical guest experience that defines Happy Joe’s as it expands across the USA and internationally.
Rock joins Happy Joe’s with nearly 20 years in sales and marketing experience, including a decade leading marketing for one of the country’s largest independently owned jewelry companies before launching her own consulting firm. She will spearhead brand strategy, creative development, digital and social programs and field support for franchisees.
Balluff has been part of the Happy Joe’s family since 1999 and has held roles as head coach, district coach and director of field training. She was director of training and culinary development from 2022 until her promotion to vice president in 2025. In her new role, she will oversee training programs and culinary development, ensuring consistent standards across the system.
Culp has played a major role within the brand’s operations and supply chain since 2007, most recently serving as the director of purchasing and supply chain. In her new role as vice president, she will oversee sourcing, vendor partnerships, and distribution strategies that position franchisees for success while ensuring consistency, quality, and value for guests.
Anschutz joins as vice president of operations, bringing leadership and franchise experience from Ponderosa Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, and T.G.I. Friday’s. Since 2020, Anschutz has been part of the Happy Joe’s parent organization, Dynamic Restaurant Holdings, LLC, where he rose from director of operations to senior franchise business consultant and now vice president of operations. In his new role, he will focus on operational excellence across corporate and franchise operations, as well as supporting Happy Joe’s franchisees in growing their high-performing restaurants.
“These appointments reflect our Servant Leadership focus on people, restaurants and franchisee support,” said Sacco. “Each of these Servant Leaders brings a service-minded approach and a proven expertise that will strengthen our foundation as we continue our expansion into new and existing markets. Their focused Servant Leadership ensure that we’re not just getting bigger but growing better.”
Happy Joe’s is renowned for its specialty pizzas, such as the Lollapalooza, stacked with 200-plus pepperonis; the authentic smoked BBQ Brisket pizza; and the iconic Taco Pizza, layered with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, refried beans and taco sauce. Children can play games, win prizes and top off each visit with a trip to the ice cream counter.
