Former Church’s Texas Chicken executive named to head fast-casual brand
Tijuana Flats Restaurants LLC, the 124-unit fast-casual Tex-Mex brand, has named Joe Christina as chief executive and board member, the company announced Monday.
The Orlando, Fla.-based company said Christina most recently served as CEO, president and board member at Atlanta-based Church’s Texas Chicken. He succeeds Brian Wright, who was named in September as CEO of Addison, Texas-based Bar Louie.
“My family and I have been guests of Tijuana Flats for many, many years,” said Christina in a statement. “As a longtime fan, I am excited to join the organization as it prepares for its next stage of growth.”
Christina had served as CEO and president at Church’s since 2016. He began with the company as executive vice president of U.S. operations in 2013. Joe Guith was named CEO of Church’s in August.
Prior to joining Church’s, Christina spent 28 years at Burger King Corp, including as vice president of global operations and training and division vice president for franchise operations.
John Caron, Tijuana Flats chairman, said, “We are excited to have Joe join the Tijuana Flats family. Joe is a talented and experienced restaurant veteran who is well-positioned to take this beloved brand with a loyal and passionate following to the next level. His focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience coupled with his extensive franchising knowledge make him the ideal person for the CEO role.”
Tijuana Flats was founded in 1995 and now has 104 company-owned and 20 franchised restaurants located in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina and Virginia.
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