During a time of swift expansion and impressive domestic growth, Los Angeles-based The Madera Group (parent company to fast-casual concept Tocaya Organica and Toca Madera) onboards seasoned hospitality professional Rudy Sugueti as chief operating officer. With decades of experience in both fast-casual concepts and full-service restaurant operations, Sugueti brings a wide range of expertise—from management and training to on-the-ground efficiencies and overall growth strategy—to the innovative hospitality group.
Through strong work ethic and a commitment to expertise in the field, Sugueti has paved a successful career in the restaurant industry, including managing kitchens, increasing restaurant revenue, building brand awareness, and leading corporations at an executive level. Notable career highlights include holding the title of senior vice president of global development & operations for California Pizza Kitchen—during which he managed more than 65 restaurants, signed contracts for 59 future locations in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, and successfully opened 40 locations internationally. In his prior role as senior vice president of operations for CPK, he executed the business’s growth strategy and oversaw restaurant operations for over 200 locations throughout the U.S. During this tenure, he dramatically increased sales, improved management programs, and introduced a robust pre-opening training platform.
“I’m eager to be a part of a wellness-forward company like The Madera Group, who remains committed to creating an elevated, fresh-casual dining experience and healthier, organic food choices for guests—something that I’m also extremely passionate about,” Sugueti says. “I look forward to continuing to build on the great success the company has achieved over the past three years and use my experience to guide The Madera Group during their rapid expansion phase into markets outside of California and Arizona, and potentially internationally. My hands will be in all departments at the corporate level, as well as in-store, connecting all the moving parts and continuing development of talent within the company.”
“Rudy’s genuine connection to our brand ethos is just one example of how he’s a seamless addition to Tocaya Organica,” adds president Michael Tanha. “His expertise in restaurant expansion is exactly what we need as we enter our next phase of growth and gives us a tremendous amount of confidence as we continue to enhance our leadership team.”
In his new role as COO, Sugueti will be guiding the growth of the business and creating excellence in the operations of the company at all levels, while providing each guest with the best experience possible across all markets and concepts. In his hands-on approach of spending time in each restaurant working with teams at the local level, Sugueti will focus on aspects critical to restaurant growth like building effective teams and in-depth employee training and development.
