Tijuana Flats Announces Executive, Board Changes
Restaurant chain Tijuana Flats announces executive changes, including newly formed board of directors.
-- Chain Leader, 8/17/2009 8:32:00 AM
PRESS RELEASE: ORLANDO, Fla. (August 17, 2009) - Tijuana Flats Burrito Co. announced today several executive changes, including Chief Executive Officer J. Camp Fitch passing the torch to co-owner and Chief Operating Officer Brian Wheeler.
As part of the changes, Camp will now serve as chairman of the Tijuana Flats Board of Directors, which also includes Brian and the company's Chief Financial Officer, Chester Wheeler. Rick Van Warner, president of The Parquet Group and a longtime consultant to the company, will join the board as an outside director.
With Brian now assuming the CEO position, Tony Sperrazza joins the company as director of operations. A seasoned restaurant leader, Tony will oversee all restaurant operations and guide the efforts of the company's area supervisors.
Tijuana Flats also announced the promotions of Jeffrey Rettig, Sr. and Nicole DiPietro-both veteran Tijuana Flats executives- to vice president roles, with Rettig overseeing the company's human resources department and DiPietro overseeing the finance department.
"Tijuana Flats has become so successful because of the hard work and dedication of Nikki, Jeff and all of our teams both in the restaurants and in the corporate office," Camp said in announcing the changes. "These are the folks that work behind the scenes to make our culture special."
A 20-year industry veteran, Tony most recently headed operations at a Tijuana Flats franchise location. His experience includes operations in various restaurant chains including Chevy's, Rio Bravo, El Torito and Casa Gallardo.
"We're excited to add Tony to the team-he's an experienced operator and excellent leader," Brian said. "These changes reflect the ongoing growth and success of our brand and company."
Before joining Tijuana Flats in 2004, Jeff Rettig owned and operated a restaurant business recruiting firm. He previously served as human resource director for the Metromedia Restaurant Group, the former owner of restaurant chains including Ponderosa Steakhouse, Steak & Ale and Bennigan's.
Since 1997, Nicole DiPietro has worked in the Tijuana Flats finance department in positions of increasing responsibility. A member of the original Tijuana Flats restaurant on University Avenue in Winter Park, Fla., Nikki holds an MBA degree from the University of Central Florida.
Before launching The Parquet Group in 2000, Rick served as an executive at Darden Restaurants, Inc. Before that he spent several years as editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Nation's Restaurant News, the weekly newsmagazine covering the national restaurant industry.
Both Camp and Brian said they expect a smooth transition over the next few months.
About Tijuana Flats
Established in 1995 in Winter Park, Fla., Tijuana Flats is a unique, fast-casual Tex-Mex dining experience featuring superior guest service and fresh, made-to-order food. Tijuana Flats has over 65 locations in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The restaurants are typically found in high-traffic areas and average 2,200 square feet.
Since the restaurant first opened its doors in 1995, Tijuana Flats has used zero trans-fatty acids (TFA) cooking oils, 100 percent hormone free, white meat chicken, fresh produce and all of its menu items have been lard free. Customers can choose from flour or whole-wheat tortillas for any of their tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas and flautas. This restaurant also has a popular "Power Lite" selection, which allows customers to choose low-fat cheese and fat-free sour cream in any menu item. There is no charge for selecting a whole-wheat tortilla or Power-Lite.
Known worldwide for their own brand of hot sauces, Tijuana Flats Hot Foods Inc., a separate company, provides the restaurants' specialty products, hot sauces and condiments, including one of the hottest sauces in the world, Smack My Ass and Call Me Sally..."Going Postal." For more information about Tijuana Flats, including menu and locations, visit www.tijuanaflats.com.
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