Mark Hardison

Mark Hardison is an experienced marketing professional with a diverse background in the fast-casual dining industry. Currently serving as a Marketing Consultant for Palenque Group since August 2025, Hardison focuses on modernizing marketing strategies, eCommerce, and loyalty programs to enhance brand performance and growth. Prior experience includes a role as Chief Marketing Officer at California Fish Grill, where Hardison contributed to the expansion of a growing brand with 54 locations. Hardison spent over two decades at El Pollo Loco, Inc., holding multiple senior-level marketing positions and successfully reversing declining sales trends. Earlier career experience includes roles at CKE Restaurants, Inc., and McKesson, emphasizing both domestic and international marketing efforts. Hardison holds a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.