Preston’s Chick-fil-A journey began at just 16 years old as a Team Member. What initially could have been a high school job quickly became something more. Through relationships with his Operator and restaurant leaders, Preston fell in love with the culture and began wondering whether Chick-fil-A could become a long-term career.
After college and six years with WinShape, Preston returned to the same Chick-fil-A restaurant where he had worked as a teenager—this time as Executive Director. He spent three years leading the restaurant before entering Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program in April 2022.
Over the next four years, Preston completed 26 assignments, including six grand openings, traditional and licensed restaurant assignments, and work with Chick-fil-A’s Mobile Kitchen fleet. Those experiences allowed him to learn from numerous Operators, teams, and markets across the country.
In spring 2026, after years of intentionally pursuing the opportunity, Preston was selected as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Zanesville.
Preston’s vision is for Chick-fil-A Zanesville to “be a light in the Zanesville and Muskingum County communities.” His goal extends beyond serving great food—he wants the restaurant to positively influence the people who walk through its doors and the larger community it serves.
The restaurant’s mission reflects that purpose:
“Create remarkable experiences that lead to impact that matters.”
For Preston, that impact begins with his team. He wants Team Members to understand that their work matters and gives them an opportunity to positively influence someone else. Development will be central to the restaurant, with opportunities for Team Members to progress into Shift Leader and Director positions as the organization grows.
Preston also sees development extending beyond Chick-fil-A. Whether someone dreams of becoming an Owner/Operator or pursuing a completely different profession, his goal is to invest in their leadership, interpersonal, and professional skills so they are better prepared for whatever comes next.
As the restaurant becomes established, Preston also plans to build relationships throughout Zanesville and Muskingum County, with education, teachers, and first responders among the community-impact opportunities he is considering.
