Qdoba Mexican Grill’s president and chief executive Gary Beisler on Tuesday said he plans to retire after fourteen years with the fast-casual brand.
Parent company Jack in the Box Inc. said a search is underway for his replacement, though Beisler will remain in the position until a successor is named.
In addition, the company also said Tuesday that Jeffrey Wood has been named vice president and chief development officer, which is a newly created position for the Qdoba brand.
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Beisler first joined Qdoba in 1998 as chief operating officer, when the now 614-unit chain had 13 locations. He has served as CEO since November 2000 and president since January 1999. Jack in the Box acquired the Qdoba brand in 2003.
Linda Lang, Jack in the Box Inc.’s chair and chief executive, said, “We commend Gary for his vision in helping define the unique attributes that distinguish Qdoba from its competitors and for leveraging those qualities in expanding the brand. We wish him all the best as he prepares for the next chapter in his life and look forward to his continued leadership as we search for an experienced senior executive to help execute Qdoba’s growth strategy.”
The chain, meanwhile, has aggressive plans to grow both corporate and franchise locations, the company said.
Wood comes to Qdoba from Dave & Buster’s Holdings Inc., where he was senior vice president and chief development officer. Prior experience includes work in restaurant leasing for Simon Property Group, and as a development executive for Brinker International.
Jack in the Box has had other executive changes this year. In August, Terri Funk Graham, the company’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, announced that she was stepping down after 22 years.
The company also said it was conducting a comprehensive review of its organization structure, including workforce reductions and early retirement options, in conjunction with an ongoing refranchising program.
San Diego-based Jack in the Box Inc. operates of franchises 2,247 Jack in the Box restaurants, as well as 614 units of Qdoba.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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