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Taco John’s appoints Kevin Flaherty, formerly of MOD Pizza, as chief marketing officerTaco John’s appoints Kevin Flaherty, formerly of MOD Pizza, as chief marketing officer

Flaherty previously served as senior vice president, digital marketing and off-premises at fast-casual pizza brand, MOD Pizza

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

October 7, 2024

1 Min Read
Exterior of a Taco Johns building
Taco John's is bolstering its executive team.Taco John's

Joanna Fantozzi

Cheyenne, Wyo.-based quick-service Mexican concept, Taco John’s, announced Monday the appointment of Kevin Flaherty as chief marketing officer, replacing Barry Westrum, who left the company in August.

Flaherty previously served as senior vice president, digital marketing and off-premises at fast-casual pizza brand, MOD Pizza, and then as an interim chief marketing officer for the brand through February of this year.

“As a brand, we are at a pivotal point in our 55-year history, and we are excited for the next era of increased digitization and personalized marketing,” Heather Neary, president and CEO of Taco John’s, said in a statement. “Kevin brings to us a wealth of knowledge and experience in these critical areas, and his people-first approach will help us continue to drive our culture forward. We are all very excited for Kevin to join our team.”

Flaherty will bring his expertise in digital, off-premises channels, and technology to his new role at Taco John’s.

“Taco John's history of made-to-order food featuring fresh, craveable ingredients at an unbeatable everyday value is what excites me about the brand," Flaherty said in a statement. “I'm thrilled to join the Taco John's team and share that story with our existing guests and those we've yet to meet."

Related:Taco John’s is the latest chain to add catering

Taco John’s has nearly 350 restaurants in 22 states.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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