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Fuzzy’s Taco Shop names new operations chiefFuzzy’s Taco Shop names new operations chief

David Catalano joins brand from Logan’s Roadhouse

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

September 28, 2018

1 Min Read
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Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has named David Catalano to the new position of chief operating officer, the company said Thursday.

Catalano joins the Fort Worth, Texas-based fast-casual concept from his most recent role as COO of Nashville, Tenn.-based Logan’s Roadhouse. He previously held senior leadership roles at Hard Rock Café and TGI Fridays and was a franchisee of Twin Peaks.

“David is an industry pro, having worked on both emerging restaurant concepts and established brands,” said Mel Knight, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop president, in a statement. “He has also worked on the franchisee side of the table, making him the right person to work alongside our phenomenal franchise partners.”

David_Catalano_Fuzzy_s_COO_Sept2018_0.pngFuzzy’s Taco Shop was founded in 2001 and now has 144 restaurants in 12 states.

“I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time and look forward to using my restaurant and hospitality experience to further the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop success story,” said Catalano (left).

He has worked with such other restaurant companies as Al Copeland Restaurant Group, Rave Cinemas LLC, Applebee’s franchisee Apple Gold and Joe’s Crab Shack and Brick House Tavern Tap.

Atlanta-based NRD Capital Management bought a 70 percent stake in the then-90-unit Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in February 2016

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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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