El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. has named John Dawson, formerly president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, to the newly created position of chief development officer, effective immediately, the quick-service operator said Monday.
The company said that Dawson would be responsible for all aspects of the 433-unit brand’s development program, including marketing, franchise sales, real estate and construction for company and franchised units.
In its last earnings report, El Pollo Loco said it expected to open 18 to 22 company-owned units and 10 to 15 franchised restaurants in 2016, a significant increase from the 11 company-operated units and three franchised locations it opened in 2015.
Before heading up The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which operates 900 locations in 24 countries, Dawson was global development officer of Dunkin’ Donuts, a subsidiary of Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., where he worked for eight years. Prior to that he was vice president of worldwide restaurant development of McDonald’s Corp.
“It’s a very exciting time for El Pollo Loco, and we’re thrilled to have John join our executive team, as he brings a broad base of experience to this role,” El Pollo Loco president and CEO Steve Sather said in a press release. “He has helped several high-profile brands achieve meaningful growth, and we look forward to the many contributions he will make as part of our team. We are confident that he is the right person to lead the strategic development of new markets and help us further penetrate our existing markets.”
Dawson said in a statement that he was enthusiastic about his new position at the Costa Mesa, Calif.-based company.
“I have always been impressed with the iconic status of this Southern California favorite, and see tremendous growth potential ahead. It’s exciting to be a part of this dedicated team, focused on driving growth within our current markets as well as forging new territories ahead,” Dawson said.
The announcement comes a month after the departure of El Pollo Loco chief operating officer Kay Bogeajis, whose responsibilities would be divided among others while the company searched for a successor.
El Pollo Loco has restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
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