#United States #Cheyenne #Taco John's #Kristin Nuss #Tom Perella

Taco John's Enhances Leadership Team

In a significant move to bolster its operational capabilities, Taco John's®, a well-recognized name in the quick-service Mexican restaurant sector, has announced key changes within its leadership team. The appointment of new executives and an internal promotion reflects the brand's commitment to enhancing franchisee support.

Internal Promotion of Kristin Nuss

Kristin Nuss has been elevated to the role of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary as of January 2025. Having joined Taco John's in May 2021 as Associate General Counsel, Kristin brings with her more than 25 years of legal experience across various sectors. Her expertise spans civil litigation to insurance defense and even state government, equipping her with a well-rounded background ideal for her new responsibilities. Nuss's primary focus at Taco John's will be overseeing legal operations and ensuring that the business operates efficiently while upholding its legal standards.

New Executives Joining Taco John's

Joining Nuss on the leadership team are Tom Perella and Damian Hanft. Perella has stepped in as the new Vice President of Technology after a successful tenure in retail technology, including roles at GoTo Foods and Duck Donuts. Since his arrival in March 2025, he has been set to standardize IT processes and enhance Taco John's technology infrastructure, recognizing the crucial role technology plays in operational efficiency.

On the human resources front, Damian Hanft has joined as Vice President of Human Resources in April 2025. His previous role at Inspire Brands allowed him to shape team member experiences, making him a valuable asset for Taco John's as they formulate a strong HR strategy aligning with business objectives amidst an ambitious growth plan.

CEO Heather Neary’s Vision

Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John's, expressed confidence in the new team, emphasizing the necessity of aligning the right people in key roles to support the company's growth and enhance franchisee success. She stated, "As we continue to scale strategically, we are fine-tuning our operations to ensure franchisees are set up for success from day one."

Strategic Franchise Development

These changes coincide with Taco John's broader strategy of expansion across the United States. The company's partnership model for both single and multi-unit franchisees is positioned to enhance the support network that has been established, creating opportunities for growth both for new entrants and existing franchisees.

Neary noted that the leadership team's collaborative efforts aim to enhance operational systems comprehensively, from onboarding and branding to technology deployment. The company prides itself on innovation within the quick-service restaurant sphere, emphasizing not just attracting new franchisees but also equipping current franchisees with tools to improve profitability and market presence.

With nearly 350 locations dispersed across 22 states, the restaurant chain identifies substantial expansion opportunities particularly savvy in regions such as the Upper Midwest and the Rocky Mountains, as well as high-growth suburban locales nationwide. Taco John's is inviting prospective franchisees to consider their new model which reportedly shows promising sales performance, with average unit volumes reaching $1,881,809 for the top 25% of freestanding restaurants with drive-thru.

Conclusion

Taco John's continues to establish its foothold in the fast-food landscape, underscored by a persistent commitment to robust leadership and franchisee support systems. With the recent changes in leadership, Taco John's is set to embark on a new era, steering towards innovative practices aimed at sustainable growth and franchisee success. For those interested in joining a thriving brand, franchise opportunities are now available, bolstered by a comprehensive support structure designed for long-term profitability.

For more information on Taco John's franchise opportunities, visit Taco John's Franchise or reach out to Shannon Iverson at [email protected] for inquiries.