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Tijuana Flats names Brad Kaemmer CEOTijuana Flats names Brad Kaemmer CEO

Kaemmer replaces founder Brian Wheeler, who will remain involved with the brand

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

May 15, 2013

1 Min Read
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Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. has named Brad Kaemmer chief executive, the company said Wednesday.

Kaemmer, who takes the position in June, will succeed founder and co-owner Brian Wheeler, who will shift his focus to the Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen concept in Winter Park, Fla., which he helped create, the company said.

“I’m excited about the fresh perspectives Brad brings to the table and the proven leadership skills he brings,” Wheeler said.

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Kaemmer most recently served as chief operating office of Boca Restaurant Group in Ohio. Prior to that role, he spent more than 10 years at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, including time as a regional vice president.

Kaemmer will report to Tijuana Flats chairman and co-owner J. Camp Fitch.

“As we add new restaurants in Florida and other states, we’ll continue to seek talent from both inside and outside our company to help us build on the strong performance we’ve achieved,” Fitch said in a statement.

Wheeler will continue to serve on Tijuana Flats’ board and remain involved in strategic decisions for the brand, the company said.

Tijuana Flats president Tony Sperrazza will report to Kaemmer and continue to be responsible for operations and oversee all area supervisors.

Orlando, Fla.-based Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. has 93 fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurants.

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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