Taco Cabana has named Roberto “Pepe” Lopez its vice president of culinary design. In that position he will work with the chain’s operations, marketing and training departments “to further enhance and develop Taco Cabana’s authentic Mexican-inspired menu and service model,” according to a press release announcing his appointment.
He also will develop limited-time menu items, it said.
Lopez replaces Andrew Dismore, who was Taco Cabana’s corporate executive chef and director of research and development before he left the company in July.
Lopez is a 40-year restaurant veteran and has held R&D positions at Baja Fresh, Acapulco, Chevys Fresh Mex, Las Brisas, Keystone Grill, El Torito and El Torito Grill. He has also developed retail products for Costco, Sam’s Club, Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s. Most recently, Lopez was vice president of research and development for Flagship Food Group, a food developer and retailer based in Denver.
“Chef Pepe couldn’t have joined our TC team at a better time,” Taco Cabana president Chuck Locke said in a statement. “This year has been all about re-establishing Taco Cabana’s food excellence and bringing fresh flavors, innovation and perspective to our menu. Adding Pepe’s passion for food, creativity and expertise to the mix will be a huge asset in achieving the next level of quality and service.”
Taco Cabana is a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, based in Dallas, and operates and franchises around 170 locations in Texas and New Mexico. In its most recent earnings call, Fiesta CEO and president Richard Stockinger said the chain was working on the quality of its offerings to adjust to its changing customer base, which now includes more families and young people.
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