Casa Olé parent Mexican Restaurants Inc. names restaurant industry veteran Pete Pascuzzi CEOCasa Olé parent Mexican Restaurants Inc. names restaurant industry veteran Pete Pascuzzi CEO

Mexican Restaurants Inc., parent to Casa Olé, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and other concepts, has named Pete Pascuzzi as CEO, the company said this week.

The Houston-based restaurant company said Pascuzzi, left, joins the company from Falcon Holdings Management, which franchises such brands as Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Church’s Chicken, Long John Silver’s and Taco Bell. He will manage operations and strategy for MRI’s five brands in four states.

“Pete’s deep restaurant industry expertise and exemplary leadership history make him the perfect fit to lead MRI to the next level,” said Berke Bakay, MRI chairman, in a statement. “He brings years of experience managing every aspect of restaurant organizations, including operations, marketing, R&D, finance, human resources and training.”

Prior to Falcon Holdings, Pascuzzi served as brand president of Ovation Brands, chief operating officer of Homestyle Dining Co. LLP and COO of Perkins & Marie Callender’s.

“This is an exceptionally difficult time for the restaurant industry as a whole,” Pascuzzi said. “I am honored and humbled that the MRI board has welcomed me to the executive team during this challenging time. MRI’s brands are well known for their family-friendly value and food quality, and I am laser-focused on ensuring our business moves to the next level.”

Mexican Restaurants owns and franchises more than 40 restaurants in Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas and includes Monterey’s Little Mexico, Überrito Fresh Mex and Crazy Jose’s.

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