Del Taco today announced that 27-year company veteran Shirlene Lopez has been named president of the 41-year-old Mexican quick serve chain, according to Sid Feltenstein, Chairman, Sagittarius Brands, Inc., Del Taco’s parent company.

“Shirlene Lopez is a dynamic leader who understands the Del Taco business at every level. She is committed to doing whatever it takes to deliver Del Taco to greater success,” said Sid Feltenstein.

As President, Del Taco’s leadership team will report directly to Lopez including facilities, legal, franchise operations, store operations, human resources, purchasing/quality control, training, and marketing.

Lopez joined Del Taco one day after her fourteenth birthday and started her career mopping floors and wiping tables, the only job she was legally allowed to do as a 14-year-old. Within four years she was a restaurant general manager, and by age 20, she was a training manager and part of the new store opening team.

In 1989, Lopez became human resources manager for the company and later she handled special projects including store remodeling, corporate office relocation, and other brand-wide initiatives. In 2002, Lopez became executive vice president, operations services where she oversaw all operations, training and human resources. Since the acquisition of Del Taco by Sagittarius Brands earlier this year, Lopez has served as overall brand leader for the chain.