In January 2022, Bernard Acoca was appointed Zaxby’s CEO. This was after Zach McLeroy, the company’s co-founder, who had been its CEO for over 30 years, transitioned to be its chairman. Mr. Acoca has served in multiple firms, including Teavana, where he was the President, and El Pollo Loco, where he was the President and CEO. Bernard also served at Starbucks as a member of the executive team and as a senior vice president.
“I am happy with our success since we launched Zaxby’s 30 years ago,” stated Zach McLeroy. “I decided to capitalize on the opportunities available to this firm by bringing in an external chief executive officer. We have searched for a CEO with the operational, marketing, and strategic expertise to intensify Zaxby’s Chicken’s growth. We are delighted to have found Bernard Acoca, an experienced individual who will lead us to future success. I believe Bernard is dedicated to growing our venture while safeguarding the best of our culture and heritage.”
Established by Tony Townley and Zach McLeroy in 1990, Zaxby’s serves sandwiches, salads, chicken fingers, and wings in an offbeat, fun atmosphere where customers are treated as family. This brand has grown to over 900 zones across seventeen states. “Leading Zaxby’s has been a life-changing and incredible journey,” commented McLeroy. “I am fortunate to have worked with a unique team of talented individuals and brand partners dedicated to our mission of persistently creating experiences that enrich lives.”
The former Zaxby’s CEO believes that Bernard Acoca is a proven leader. It is because he has achieved success in different industries. “I am honored to work as Zaxby’s first external chief executive,” said Acoca, the incoming Zaxby’s chief executive. “Zach has developed Zaxby’s brand for a significant period. He found the secret to success: providing the community with quality food. I look forward to working with the team at Zaxby’s to continue building the brand.”
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More about Acoca on https://www.nrn.com/people/former-el-pollo-loco-ceo-bernard-acoca-named-ceo-zaxby-s