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Taco Bueno names new executivesTaco Bueno names new executives

Tony Darden leads operations; Sarah Beddoe heads marketing

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

May 25, 2017

1 Min Read
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Taco Bueno Restaurants L.P. has named new executives to head operations and marketing for the Tex-Mex fast-casual chain, the company said Wednesday.

Tony Darden, formerly of Panera Bread, has been named to the new position of chief operating officer. Sarah Beddoe, formerly of Sonic Drive-In, was named in January as chief marketing officer, succeeding Jeff Carl, who left to pursue other opportunities, a company spokeswoman said. 

“These key additions are solidifying our intent to keep firmly rooted in the traditions that have supported our brand for the past 50 years while taking innovation seriously in an extremely competitive market,” said Mike Roper, Taco Bueno president and CEO, in a statement. “We are committed to strengthening our industry presence to attract and keep new customers.”

Darden most recently was with Panera Bread, where he served as vice president of operations.

Beddoe most recently served as vice president of national marketing at Sonic. Prior to Sonic, she was director of digital experience and social engagement for Pizza Hut Corp.

Taco Bueno, founded in 1967, operates 183 restaurants in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The company is privately held by TPG Growth.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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Sonic Drive-In

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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