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On The Border names new presidentOn The Border names new president

Ward Whitworth will replace Steve Clark, who is stepping down from the position

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 23, 2014

1 Min Read
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On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has named Ward Whitworth president, the company said Wednesday.

Whitworth was previously president of Richardson, Texas-based ACG Texas Restaurants, the nation’s largest IHOP franchisee.

Whitworth succeeds Steve Clark, who is stepping down, but will remain with On the Border for a period to “ensure a smooth transition to new leadership,” according to a statement from the Irving, Texas-based casual dining company.

On the Border was sold by Golden Gate Capital to Atlanta-based Argonne Capital Group in April.

Before ACG, Whitworth spent five years as head coach, franchise for Yum Brands’ Pizza Hut and prior to that served in various operations and functional roles at Pizza Hut for more than 13 years.

“On The Border is a world-class brand,” Whitworth said, in a statement. “We are ready for our next chapter of growth, and I am confident this unique brand under new ownership and leadership will continue to thrive in the coming years.”

On The Border has 155 restaurants in 36 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Asia and the Middle East.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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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