Rick Van Warner Named CEO of Tijuana Flats

Interim CEO Rick Van Warner is taking over the official position at fast-casual chain Tijuana Flats. Van Warner is a longtime board member who has held the interim tag since March, when he succeeded Larry Ryback as CEO of the Altamonte Springs, Florida-based brand. Ryback departed in February to become CEO of casual-dining concept Cotton Patch Café Inc.

Van Warner previously held roles at consulting firm Parquet Group and crisis management concern Parquet Crisis Management, and was a communications expert with Darden Restaurants Inc.

Tijuana Flats, which has grown to 135 units across six states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Indiana), has 18 franchised locations. It was founded in 1995 by Brian Wheeler and owned by AUA Private Equity Partners LLC since 2015.

Van Warner started working with Tijuana Flats in 2001 as a consultant, as well as a joint-venture partner at a single location.

Noodles & Company Honoring Educators with Special Catering Deal

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Burger Boss Launches Quesabirria Burger for Limited Time

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Chick Salad Chick Builds Presence in Little Rock, Arkansas

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is growing once again in Little Rock, Arkansas, opening its fourth spot in the city and second in the northern suburbs. Chicken Salad Chick of North Little Rock-Maumelle features a convenient drive-thru at 13101 Crystal Hill Road in the West Landing shopping center. The restaurant is […]

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express Ready to Debut in San Antonio

FAT Brands Inc. announced the opening of its first brick and mortar Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express location in San Antonio, in partnership with Brame Brands. The new Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express San Antonio restaurant, located at 1604 and Culebra, will serve guests its beloved all-American cuisine, including made-to-order Fatburgers, chicken wings, Fat Fries and hand-scooped […]

Jeff’s Bagel Run and Pigzza Announce Collaboration

Jeff’s Bagel Run and Pigzza announced a limited-time food collaboration. To kick off the collaboration, The Jeff’s Bagel Run team joined the Beyond the Smoke with Thomas Ward Podcast where they shared their aggressive growth plan that includes six new locations. The episode featuring the team comes out tomorrow. In celebration of the appearance on […]

Huey Magoo’s Adds Restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida

Huey Magoo’s – the “Filet Mignon Of Chicken” – celebrated its newest franchise store now open in Boca Raton, Florida, President and CEO Andy Howard announces. Huey Magoo’s Boca Raton is the 62nd restaurant opening company-wide spanning 12 states, with hundreds more franchises currently sold in 13 states. The 2,250 square foot end cap restaurant is the fifth of six […]

Wings Etc. Debuts Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce and Hot Honey Margarita

Wings Etc. is answering the ever-growing demand for sweet and spicy flavors with its debut of the new Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce and Hot Honey Margarita, both available for a limited time. The Hummmin’ Hot Honey Sauce incorporates two of Wings Etc.’s 21 signature wings sauces: peppery “TNT” sauce and fresh-made habanero “Wall” sauce. The […]

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