Taco John's names Shawn Eby VP of operationsTaco John's names Shawn Eby VP of operations

Former Arby’s executive Shawn Eby has been named vice president of operations for Taco John’s International, the Cheyenne, Wyo.-based company said Thursday.

Eby, who was previously senior director of franchise operations in the Northeast region for Arby’s Restaurant Group, is the second former Arby’s executive to join Taco John’s in recent months.

In April, the company said former Arby’s senior vice president Jeff Linville was named chief executive for the company.

Eby fills a position that has been open for more than a year, a deliberate move to allow the new chief executive to make the appointment, company officials said.

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In a statement, Eby said he has big growth plans for the “West-Mex” quick-service chain.

“Once people across the country start realizing what Taco John’s is, I think it can be huge,” he said. “It might be aggressive, but I think we can double the number of locations in five years. If we work on brand awareness and drive more trial, we’re going to start blowing up across the country.”

In his new role, Eby said he plans to streamline equipment, work to enhance consistency of operations and improve speed of service.

“If we reduce the cost of equipment, it would make it more feasible for franchisees to come in,” he said. “It would also help out with speed of service. I like the fact that we’re making items fresh, and I don’t want to get away from making them at that moment.”

Taco John’s operates and franchises more than 400 restaurants in 25 states.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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