Josh Halpern is the Chief Executive Officer for Big Chicken. Josh is a dynamic, partnership-focused, thought leader with a robust career in streamlining efficiency, driving innovation, building diverse engaged teams, and growing economic results across the CPG, retail, and restaurant verticals. He was named to Nation Restaurant News’ Top 100 Most Influential CEOs and to Fast Casual Magazine’s Top 25 Movers and Shakers Executive List in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Before this role, Josh served as the Chief Sales Officer for Buffalo-based FIFCO USA, the 8th largest US brewing company, where he was responsible for commercial operations and building top and bottom-line results for Off-Premise, On-Premise, and company-owned brewpubs. Prior, Josh led the Anheuser-Busch InBev, On-Premise and Small Format channels in the US, and Shopper Marketing globally. During his tenure at Anheuser-Busch InBev, Josh built the strategy for licensed, branded experiential zones leading to 46 restaurants and bars in stadiums, airports, and hotels, including the iconic “Beer Park by Budweiser” at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He was also responsible for Anheuser-Busch’s pilots in the QSR space resulting in piloted distribution at Starbucks, and a beer-as-ingredient Budweiser Beer Cheeseburger at Hardees/Carl’s Jr. Halpern has held roles at Reckitt Benckiser, Just Born Candy, Clorox, and Procter and Gamble growing brands in 50+ categories.
Josh leads from a partnership-first perspective, unlocking growth for the company, suppliers, customers, and business partners. As a result, his teams have won “Vendor of the Year” honors from many restaurants and retailers including: Buffalo Wild Wings, Hilton, Twin Peaks, HMS Host, Centerplate, Hooters, Hard Rock Cafè, Outback Steakhouse, Murphy USA, Circle K and more. Halpern is known to incorporate his business and financial acumen while using big data to solve complex problems while focusing on efficiencies. He is a certified Six-Sigma Green Belt.
Josh believes in giving back to the industry. He currently sits on the boards of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Supplier Board, and Niagara University’s Food Marketing Center of Excellence. He also sits on the International Committee of the International Franchise Association. Prior, Josh has served on the boards for the International Foodservice Manufacturer’s Association (IFMA), and the National Restaurant Association’s Military Foundation. Outside of our industry, Josh sits on the board of USA Archery, the National Governing Body of the sport as recognized by the USOPC. Halpern holds an MBA from Babson College and a BS from Cornell University. Josh and his wife are the proud parents of three amazing boys and live in the New York Metro Area.
