Dive Brief:
- Taco John’s is hiring Heather Neary as president and CEO, as the nearly 400-unit brand looks to grow both in its Midwestern home markets and in new regions, the company announced Wednesday.
- Neary joins Taco John’s after three years as president of KBP Brands’ Taco Bell arm, KBP Bells, according to her LinkedIn profile. Before KBP, she spent 15 years at Auntie Anne’s, eventually rising to president, a post she held from 2015 to 2021.
- Taco John’s previous CEO Jim Creel announced last year that he would retire at the end of 2023. He held the post for over six years, during which time the brand grew considerably and engaged in a public relations battle with Taco Bell over Taco John’s copyright claim to Taco Tuesdays — which Taco Bell eventually won.
Dive Insight:
As president of Auntie Anne’s, Neary helped gross sales grow to over $550 million through operational improvements and a “people-first” company culture, according to the press release.
Neary has also served in a variety of industry positions, including stints on the National Restaurant Association’s board of directors and the board of the Women’s Foodservice Forum, per the release. Taco John’s did not immediately respond to a request to clarify whether Neary had assumed the role as CEO already or would do so in the near future.
Gerard Lewis, chairman of the board at Taco John’s, said Neary would lead the company through a new growth phase.
“[Neary’s] strategic vision, energy, and proven track record of driving growth, customer experience metrics, and brand presence at the national franchise level made her the unmatched choice to lead Taco John’s to the next level of expansion and success,” Lewis said in a statement.
