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Inspire Brands names Brendan Mauri as Rusty Taco presidentInspire Brands names Brendan Mauri as Rusty Taco president

Industry veteran previously served as senior director of marketing for fast-casual brand

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

February 18, 2020

1 Min Read
Rusty Taco Brendan Mauri President Food
Inspire Brands Inc. division names Brendan Mauri as president.Rusty Taco

Inspire Brands Inc. has named Brendan Mauri as president of its fast-casual Rusty Taco division, the company announced Monday.

Atlanta-based Inspire, which also owns the Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-in and Jimmy John’s brands, said Mauri will set the strategic direction for Rusty Taco and oversee both company and franchised restaurants. He will report to Christian Charnaux, Inspire’s chief growth officer.

The position was most recently held by Tim Casey, who in December was named CEO of Rego Restaurant Group, parent to the Quiznos and Taco Del Mar chains.

Mauri previously served as Rusty Taco’s senior director of marketing. Prior to joining Rusty Taco, he worked in marketing positions at Main Event Entertainment and Brinker International Inc.

Rusty Taco President Brendan Mauri 2020Feb.jpg“We are thrilled to welcome Brendan as president of Rusty Taco,” Charnaux said in a statement. “His strong industry background and marketing expertise will be instrumental in driving innovation and long-term success as the brand embarks on its next chapter of growth.”

“Since opening our first restaurant in 2010,” Mauri said, “Rusty Taco has become one of the most exciting fast-casual concepts with an authentic, handcrafted menu and community atmosphere.”

Rusty Taco has more than 30 units in nine states.

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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