Tory Bartlett has been promoted to chief executive of Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, a seven-unit taqueria and bar based in Atlanta.
Bartlett, who is the company’s first chief executive, was hired as chief operating officer in December 2013, after previously serving as director of franchise operations for Hooters of America Inc.
“We are thrilled to announce Tory’s promotion to CEO,” Tin Lizzy’s co-owner Andy McKoski said in a press release. “In his short time with the company, Tory has proven that he has the vision, skills and drive to lead us to exciting new levels of success.”
Bartlett has been charged with expanding the casual-dining chain throughout the Southeast, starting with its first restaurant outside of Georgia, slated to open in Greenville, S.C., in 2015. Three more Georgia restaurants, in Duluth, Augusta and downtown Atlanta, are also scheduled for the year.
The company’s plan calls for five new restaurants a year, starting in 2016 with locations in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Huntsville, Ala.; Macon, Ga.; Columbia, S.C.; and an unannounced location.
Plans for franchising, led by Bartlett, are also in the works, the company said.
Bartlett started his career in the foodservice industry 20 years ago as a dishwasher and cook for Hooters of America Inc., and worked his way up to vice president of franchise operations before Tin Lizzy’s hired him as COO.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary
