Shanika is the Co-Founder and CEO of Marlow’s Cheesesteaks where she oversees business operations, team development, and strategic growth for both brands. With over 20 years of leadership experience in corporate retail, I bring a strong background in management, operations, and financial planning to the restaurant industry.
Before entrepreneurship, I held leadership roles with Macy’s, Five Below, and Ascena Retail Group, where I managed an omni-channel merchandise planning strategy and oversaw $42 million in departmental sales across 300+ stores and an e-commerce division. I have extensive experience leading cross-functional teams—including design, sourcing, planning, and marketing—to execute strategies that achieved margin goals and aligned with overall business objectives.
As a Buyer at Ascena Retail, I directly supervised a team of two, earning recognition as part of the Buying Team of the Year at both Ascena Retail Group and Five Below. My leadership style is defined by collaboration, accountability, and results-driven decision-making.
A graduate of the Macy’s Executive Training Program, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from Peirce College (Pennsylvania) and an Associate’s Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York). I am also an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and an active member of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
Guided by faith and perseverance, I took the leap from corporate America to business ownership, a decision she proudly credits to her husband’s encouragement and her unwavering belief in God’s plan.
Buyer of the Year
Goldman Sachs Alumni
business owner
Languages Spoken : English
Type of Entity : LLC
NAICS Code : 722513 -Limited-Service Restaurants
Business Description : Marlow's Cheesesteaks is a fast-growing, independently owned restaurant brand based in Columbus, Ohio, delivering the authentic taste of Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks with a modern, local twist. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Jomar and Shanika Sheppard, Marlow’s began as a food trailer in 2021 and has quickly expanded into multiple brick-and-mortar locations across Central Ohio, including Gahanna, Budd Dairy Food Hall, North Market Downtown, and The Ohio State University Football Stadium. Marlow’s Cheesesteaks has been voted best cheesesteak and best new restaurant in 2023 by 614 Magazine. Future plans include growth and expansion that will make Marlow’s Cheesesteaks a household name within Central Ohio.