CC's Coffee House Franchise Leadership

Celton Hayden, Jr. serves as the president and CEO of CC's Coffee House. He joined CC’s as a store manager in 2001. Since then, he has held several positions while gaining more accountability for the leadership and strategic direction of the company. Practical, visionary, and servant are all words used to describe his steady leadership style. These achievements are evident in his successful leadership of the spin-off of CC’s from its former parent company, Community Coffee Company®, in 2013. He was appointed president at that time and became the company's CEO in February 2015.

A Dallas native and former student of Texas A&M University, Celton has over 35 years of experience in the retail and restaurant sectors. From his teen years as a grocery clerk to today as a CEO, his driving principle remains constant: to serve everyone better than anyone else. This became CC’s mission statement and represents the unyielding commitment to excellence that provides the foundation for its growth and success.
 

Mary Dixon has served as vice president of finance and administration at CC's Coffee House since 2014, where she oversees the company's financial operations, human resources, technology, and culinary innovation. With 37 years of industry experience, she has held transformative leadership roles, including chief financial officer at Nottoway Plantation & Resort and controller at Burtons Grill, based in Andover, Massachusetts, helping build the chef-driven concept from its beginning. Her executive experience includes managing development at Kelly's Roast Beef and serving as Director of Administration at Outback Steakhouse franchise for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Throughout her career, Mary has directly contributed to the successful launch of over 35 restaurant locations across eight states, demonstrating expertise in operations and finance that began with guest service roles at Chili's and Outback Steakhouse. A proud Baton Rouge native and resident, she balances her professional commitments with volunteer work at and enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling, and family time.

Sean Marlow serves as senior director of culinary and innovation at CC's Coffee House. He brings 26 years of experience with the company to his role, overseeing menu management, supply chain logistics, and green coffee procurement and roasting. Beginning as a store manager, he has held various leadership positions across operations, facility management, real estate, construction, training, and supply chain, developing comprehensive expertise in all aspects of the coffee industry. His extensive knowledge and adaptability have enabled him to make significant contributions across numerous departments throughout his career.

A graduate of Quincy University with a background in business administration, Sean's education, combined with his hands-on experience, provides the foundation for his current role in leading culinary innovation and strategic initiatives at CC’s. His deep understanding of operations and product development continues to drive the company's commitment to quality and innovation in the specialty coffee segment.

Kelly Parker is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of franchise experience, excelling in both franchisee and franchisor roles. As senior director of franchise development, she leads strategic franchise expansion plans, identifying potential franchisees and overseeing all aspects of recruitment, onboarding, and launch. Her comprehensive approach ensures smooth franchise operations, from construction compliance to maintaining strong relationships with franchise partners.

Prior to joining CC's Coffee House, Kelly played a pivotal role in expanding Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux from 4 to over 80 locations over a 10-year period. A certified franchise executive with experience as a multi-unit franchisee herself, she brings unique insight to the franchisor/franchisee relationship. Recognized as one of Franchise Update's "Female Fast Risers" in 2021, Kelly holds a bachelor's in advertising and public relations from Texas Christian University. She lives in Baton Rouge with her husband and two daughters.

Paul Claxton serves as senior director of operations for CC's Coffee House, where he oversees operations across the brand's expanding footprint in Louisiana since 2022. He ensures operational excellence, staffing, and delivers a standout guest experience across all locations. Before joining CC's, Paul served as vice president of operations at Bowie Outfitters and director of retail at Southern Marsh Apparel, where he led retail operations and drove expansion efforts.

With over two decades of experience in retail management and operations, Paul brings valuable expertise from his 10-year tenure at Cabela's focusing on new store openings, and 12 years at Walmart developing operational excellence. His proven track record in optimizing supply chain logistics and improving performance at scale continues to support CC's growth and operational success across markets.

Gerald Lewis started with CC's Coffee House in 2014 as a general manager in the Lafayette market and joined the franchise team in 2024. A native of Southwest Louisiana, they have more than 10 years’ experience in management and QSR operational success. Before joining the franchise team, Gerald was involved in new store planning, training, and openings.

As a franchise business consultant, Gerald focuses on guiding owners/operators to CC’s goal of C.O.R.E. (Constant Operational Results Every Day). Gerald enthusiastically waits to introduce others to CC’s unique blend of guest service, coffee, and people on their journey to franchise ownership.

David Hooper began his journey with CC's Coffee House in 2018, working in-store operations before transitioning to marketing in 2019 while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing at Southeastern Louisiana University. Over the years, David has taken on roles such as Community Connections Coordinator, building expertise in guest engagement and brand development. Now serving as Marketing Manager, he leverages his operational background and marketing skills to lead initiatives that connect with guests and support CC's store operations.

With an MBA from LSU Shreveport, David combines strategic insight and creative marketing to drive CC's growth and elevate its brand presence. He focuses on key areas like the My CC’s Rewards™ loyalty program, community engagement, and creative campaigns, ensuring the CC's Coffee House brand remains strong and consistent. Through his leadership, David upholds CC's core values—being real, exceptional, and passionate—while equipping store teams with the tools and strategies needed for meaningful guest connections and long-term success.

Jessica Andrus joined CC's Coffee House in 2012 as a barista while pursuing a degree in journalism from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she graduated in 2014. In 2016, Jessica transitioned into a marketing internship with CC’s, and her passion for the brand led to a full-time role in 2017 as a branding specialist.

Over the years, Jessica worked diligently to support and enhance the company’s brand presence, eventually earning the position of assistant brand manager. With a deep understanding of CC’s culture and a love for storytelling, Jessica continues to play a key role in shaping the company’s marketing strategies.

With over seven years of experience at CC's Coffee House, Elizabeth Panzica has a track record in optimizing profits through innovative in-field marketing programs and special events. As a key player in the marketing team, she collaborates closely with the marketing manager to create engaging tactics that foster community relationships in CC's operational markets. Elizabeth is passionate about community engagement and social responsibility, exemplified through her leadership of initiatives like Campus Clean Up, Grounds for Growth™, and Chords for Kids™.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, Elizabeth has deep family roots and a strong desire to serve the communities around her. She began her journey at CC's as an administrative assistant, progressing to office manager, where her commitment to service has always shone through. Her exceptional communication, networking, and organizational skills have significantly impacted CC's commitment to giving back to the communities we serve.

Shauna Reader holds a BA in Education and an MA in U.S. History from Louisiana State University. With a strong background in hospitality management, she began her career as the Director of Training at Hooters of Louisiana from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, she became a Director of Training and New Restaurant Openings at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux until 2023. In 2023, she took on the role of Director of Operations at Making Raving Fans Hospitality. In 2024, she started at CC’s Coffee House. At CC’s she applies her expertise in leadership, team development, and operational excellence while creating training programs for all team members, management and new store openings.

Beyond her professional career, Shauna is a Certified Specialist of Wine and Spirits, blending a passion for hospitality with a deep appreciation for fine beverages. Whether managing operations or creating training materials. Shauna brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a unique flair to everything she does.