SEATTLE James Schmidt, founder of the Taco Del Mar fast-casual chain, said he has resigned as chairman, chief executive and president to explore another entrepreneurial opportunity. Taking the reins as president of the 275-unit chain is Kevin Hansen, who will continue as chief operating officer.
Schmidt said the move was effective Sept. 1, though he announced his resignation on Aug. 29 at the company’s annual shareholder meeting. He aims to focus on a new concept called Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pub that he and a partner are developing in Seattle, though he will remain Taco Del Mar’s largest shareholder.
Schmidt, who has two young children, said he was motivated in part by a desire to spend more time with his family.
“I’ve been at Taco Del Mar for 16 years and I’m an entrepreneur. I’ve enjoyed this time immensely, but for the last few years, I’ve been getting restless,” he said.
In addition to Paddy Coyne’s, which will soon have three units in Seattle, Schmidt said he has been an investor in several other restaurant and nightclub projects, some of which were created by former Taco Del Mar staff members.
The move from Taco Del Mar comes nearly a year after former president David Huether stepped down in November 2007. At the time, Schmidt, then chairman and chief executive, returned to the role of president, and Hansen, then vice president for franchise development, was named chief operating officer.
