Panchero’s Mexican Grill has announced the hiring of Barry Nelson as the company’s new vice president of operations. Nelson brings more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He spent 10 years with Papa John’s working with both corporate and franchise operations, including positions as store manager, district manager, franchise business director, and operating partner with the master franchise in Alberta, Canada.

“At Papa John’s, I oversaw aggressive franchise store growth in multiple U.S.markets, including Chicago,” Nelson says. “I also directed the largest growth of Papa John’s restaurants in Canada while working with the master franchise in Alberta. This experience has definitely prepared me for this new position at Panchero’s and I’m excited grow with this great concept.”

Jenni Knock has also joined the corporate team at Panchero’s as the controller. Knock spent 14 years with Kinseth Hospitality Companies, where she was staff accountant, internal auditor/traveling accountant, accounting manager, IT support, and assistant controller.

Panchero’s Franchise Corporation has also promoted Reid Travis to director of marketing. Travis was previously social and new media project manager for Panchero’s. He has been with the company since 2009.

Panchero’s Mexican Grill is a quick-service, fresh-Mexican franchise concept that currently has more than 50 locations in 17 states. The company plans to have 60 restaurants open across the country by the end of 2011. This aggressive growth will be fueled by multi-unit franchise operators, especially those with experience in the restaurant industry. Most existing franchisees either currently operate or plan to open multiple locations.