Pollo Tropical has named David Groll corporate executive chef, parent company Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc. said Tuesday.
Groll replaces Jacqueline Kleis in the role.
An industry veteran, Groll was most recently corporate chef and director of research and development of FSC Franchise Co. LLC, parent of the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap chains. He was previously corporate chef of McAlister’s Deli, and he has also worked at Denny’s and Arby’s, as well as at resort hotels in the Caribbean.
Addison, Texas-based Fiesta Restaurant Group also named Todd Nonken to the newly created position of vice president of marketing. He was previously managing director of Havas Worldwide. Prior to that role he led brand-building teams for global operators including McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
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“Todd is a branding superstar, and his experience and insight into connecting brands with consumers will support our aggressive expansion plans," Pollo Tropical chief operating officer Danny Meisenheimer said in a press release. "And because our success and growth are built on the foundation of serving great food and bringing the Caribbean spirit to life, we have brought in David Groll, a top talent within the industry, to step up our menu innovation game."
Groll will be based at the company’s Miami offices, where he will work on menu development for the 200-unit fast-casual chain’s Caribbean-inspired food.
Update: June 14, 2016 This story has been updated with whom David Groll replaces.
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