Velvet Taco, created by Dallas-based Front Burner Restaurants and partnered with consumer-focused private equity fund L Catterton since 2016, announced the appointment of Clay Dover as the company’s new chief executive officer.
Dover joined Velvet Taco as president in early 2017, and the brand has grown from four restaurants to 11 current locations, with five more scheduled to open for the remainder of 2019.
“With a distinctly broad appeal, Velvet Taco has developed a loyal following across the country and is poised for significant growth in the coming years,” says Chris Roberts, Partner L Catterton Growth Fund. “We see a tremendous opportunity to expand Velvet Taco’s presence in new and existing markets and look forward to Clay leading this differentiated brand.”
“I am both humbled and excited with the opportunity to lead Velvet Taco as CEO,” Dover says. “I look forward to continuing the progress we have made by creating a truly unique guest experience. I appreciate the hard work of our team and believe that Velvet Taco is well positioned for future growth.”
Velvet Taco opened its first restaurant in Dallas in 2011 and later expanded to Chicago, Houston and Fort Worth. Over the past two years the brand has grown in these markets and expanded into Austin, and soon to open in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina.
