Carlsbad-based Rubio’s® Restaurants, Inc. announced it has named Lawrence Rusinko vice president of marketing. Rusinko will report to Sheri Miksa, president and chief executive officer of the company.

Rusinko comes to Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill® most recently from Friendly Ice Cream Corporation where he served as senior vice president of marketing for the company which operated more than 530 company-owned and franchised stores.

Prior to that, Rusinko was vice president of marketing for Panera Bread Company for eight years as it experienced dramatic growth from 39 to nearly 500 locations, and became the leader of the fast-casual market segment. While at Panera Bread, Rusinko was responsible for all brand building and marketing strategies.

Earlier in his career, Rusinko served in various marketing management roles during his six years at Irvine, Calif.-based Taco Bell Corp.

“We searched extensively for someone who can help Rubio’s become a household name and help grow the brand as successfully as Larry did at Panera Bread,” said Miksa, president and CEO of Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc. “His qualifications and track record of success at quick-service and fast-casual brands make him a strong addition to Rubio’s executive management team.”