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Bartaco names Anthony Valletta CEO; Scott Lawton transitions to chairBartaco names Anthony Valletta CEO; Scott Lawton transitions to chair

Concept promotes president, who worked with Mina Group, Del Frisco’s, and Darden

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 10, 2025

1 Min Read
Bartaco patio
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Bartaco has promoted Anthony Valletta, president of the concept, as CEO to succeed Scott Lawton, the co-founder who transitions from CEO to chair of the concept, the company said Friday.

The Westport, Conn.-based Bartaco said Valletta brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality leadership to the role. He served as president of the concept for the past three years.

Prior to joining Bartaco, Valletta held leadership roles at the Mina Group, Del Frisco’s. and Darden Restaurants Inc., parent to Olive Garden.

“I am truly honored to step into the role of CEO and excited for the opportunity to lead this dynamic team into the next chapter of growth and innovation,” Valletta said in a statement. “As we build on the strong foundation we’ve laid, I look forward to driving even greater success and creating exceptional experiences for our guests.”

Lawton, who co-founded Bartaco in 2010, will continue with the company as chair.

“I am thrilled to hand the reins over to Anthony, who has proven to be an exceptional leader from Day One,” Lawton said. “As president for the last three years, he has really grown into the role and demonstrated remarkable leadership.”

Bartaco has more than 30 locations.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Related:Bartaco evolves service to thrive in COVID-19 pandemic

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Read more about:

Darden Restaurants Inc.

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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