At Angry Chickz, we believe in bold flavors, bold moves, and bold leadership. That’s why we’re beyond proud to celebrate our very own Tonya McCoy, VP of Marketing, for being recognized as one of Fast Casual’s Women in the Lead 2025: Spotlighting 21 Fast Casual Leaders.
This annual recognition highlights women who are shaping the fast casual industry, leading with innovation, and inspiring the next generation. Tonya’s dedication to marketing, brand storytelling, and community-building at Angry Chickz has made a lasting impact—not just within our company, but across the entire industry.
➡ Read the full article on Fast Casual: Women in the Lead 2025: Spotlighting 21 Fast Casual Leaders
From Radio Waves to Restaurant Marketing
Tonya’s journey into the marketing world started at just 16 years old, when she worked at a Top 40 radio station in Oklahoma City. That early exposure to fast-paced media and storytelling ignited her passion for communication and branding.
"Working in such a dynamic environment taught me how to craft compelling messages, meet tight deadlines, and connect with diverse audiences," Tonya shared in her interview with Fast Casual. "It also deepened my appreciation for the power of media and its ability to engage and influence."
That passion led her into the restaurant industry, where she has helped grow and shape the Angry Chickz brand into a powerhouse in the fast casual space.
A Champion for Diversity and Inclusion
One of Tonya’s core values in leadership is her commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As DEI initiatives face challenges in many industries, Tonya remains a strong advocate for ensuring all voices are heard.
"Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are essential to building strong, innovative teams," she said. "When different perspectives come together, it fuels creativity and leads to better decision-making. At Angry Chickz, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute."
Her dedication to fostering an inclusive culture is reflected in the way Angry Chickz connects with its customers and employees alike, making sure that everyone—whether inside our restaurants or behind the counter—feels part of something bigger.
A Vision Beyond Restaurants
If Tonya wasn’t in the restaurant industry, she says she would likely be building teams, motivational speaking, or writing books. Her passion for empowering others shines through in everything she does.
"Helping individuals and organizations thrive has always been my focus. Storytelling has the power to inspire meaningful change, and whether through branding, leadership, or personal development, my goal is to make a lasting impact," she said.
At Angry Chickz, we know that passion is what fuels success—and Tonya embodies that every single day.
Celebrating Leadership & Looking to the Future
This recognition from Fast Casual is not just a win for Tonya—it’s a win for all the women leading and innovating in the restaurant industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the incredible contributions women make in shaping the future of fast casual dining.
To Tonya: Congratulations! Your leadership, creativity, and unwavering dedication continue to drive Angry Chickz forward. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
➡ Read more about Tonya and other inspiring women in fast casual: Fast Casual: Women in the Lead 2025