Pinot's Palette Announces Key New Hires To Further Expand National Paint And Sip Franchise

HOUSTON, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinot's Palette, a national paint and sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, announced today that Brian Gray has joined the company as franchise marketing director and Lori Lockerd joins as franchise sales manager.

The hires are part of the company's overall expansion plans as they continue to lead the paint and sip industry as the fastest growing franchise brand.

Bringing more than 15 years of demonstrated marketing experience, Gray will help lead new marketing campaigns, provide tactical planning, strategy development and marketing support to franchisees.  Prior to joining Pinot's Palette, Gray served as director of brand strategy and marketing communications at Direct Energy. He has also gained vast experience in marketing on all fronts working with companies such as Miller (MGD), Diageo (Cuervo,1800) and Heineken (Dos Equis, Sol).

Lockerd brings with her an extensive social media, advertising, brand management and event planning experience. In her role as franchise sales manager she will help oversee screening franchise candidates, managing franchise advertising and marketing initiatives. Prior to joining Pinot's Palette, Lockerd served as the marketing director of the Houston Press, a leading weekly newspaper.  She is also the founder of Social Culture, a company that manages social media campaigns for local Houston businesses.

"As we continue to bring Pinot's Palette to new markets, Brian and Lori will play a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the brand," said Craig Ceccanti, chief executive officer, Pinot's Palette. "We are excited to welcome them to the team and look forward to adding their marketing and sales expertise to our growth strategy."

At Pinot's Palette, guests sign up online to attend a two or three-hour painting class where they receive simple, step-by-step instructions by a local, trained artist how to recreate the featured painting of the night. They depart at the end of the evening with their own 16-inch by 20-inch acrylic painting on a stretched canvas, having laughed and sipped their way through a real, live (and very fun) art class. Guests can also purchase a Pinot's Palette signature wine glass to remind them of their special night.

Pinot's Palette is staffed by local artists who teach the lively painting classes, which typically attract "Girls' Night Out" groups, "Date Night" couples, anniversaries, bachelorette parties, families and anyone looking for a fun-filled evening out. The classes also cater to painters of all levels ranging from beginners to the more experienced.

To fuel future growth, Pinot's Palette is actively recruiting passionate franchisees and offers both single and multi-unit development opportunities around the country.  Interested parties can contact the corporate office for more information at [email protected] or visit http://www.pinotspalette.com/Franchise.

About Pinot's Palette

Founded in 2009, Pinot's Palette is an upscale, entertainment art studio based in Houston, Texas, which combines the appreciation of art and wine through guided, step-by-step painting classes by a trained local artist.  Today, twelve studios host hundreds of painters each week and the company has become one of the fastest-growing Paint and Sip franchises in the country.  For more information visit www.PinotsPalette.com. 

Media Contact:
Carmen Ordonez
954.893.9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Pinot's Palette