Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, the Baja-style taco joint founded near the TCU college campus in 2001, has named industry veteran David Catalano as Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, Catalano was COO at Logan’s Roadhouse. He has also held senior leadership roles at Hard Rock Café and TGI Friday’s along with being the first franchisee of Twin Peaks.
“David is an industry pro, having worked on both emerging restaurant concepts and established brands,” says Mel Knight, president of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “He has also worked on the franchisee side of the table, making him the right person to work alongside our phenomenal franchise partners.”
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop celebrates its 17th anniversary this year and has rapidly grown to 144 restaurants in 12 states with another 17 locations in development. The brand was one of QSR’s Top 6 “Best Franchise Deals by Franchisee Satisfaction.”
“I’m excited to join a company that is already doing so many things right,” says Catalano. “I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time and look forward to using my restaurant and hospitality experience to further the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop success story.”
The fast-casual restaurant serves Mexican favorites with a splash of Baja, and breakfast all day, with many restaurants featuring a patio and bar serving ice-cold schooners of beer and margaritas. It has also served up solid unit economics resulting in six consecutive years on Franchise Business Review’s “Top Franchises” list.
