On October 26, 2021, Zaxby’s disclosed that Bernard Acoca would become the first outside CEO of the exceptional chicken QSR chain. This was the first time the company appointed an external CEO since its formation in 1990. On the other hand, Zach McLeroy, who had served as the CEO and Co-Founder of Zaxby’s since its inception, went on to become the company’s chairperson as of January 2022. Acoca was appointed for his excellent organizational skills and ability to lead the business to new heights after successfully serving as the CEO of several leading restaurant chains across the United States. To ensure the culture and organization of Zaxby’s stayed the same, McLeroy agreed to remain active in the organization and be involved in the company’s strategy development.
Bernard Acoca has over 20 years of experience as a leader in the restaurant industry. He worked as CEO and leader of El Pollo Loco for over three and a half years. During his management tenure, Acoca strategically steered the revolution of El Pollo Loco’s brand. El Pollo Loco went from a Mexican-inspired chicken restaurant to a premier restaurant.
He influenced El Pollo Loco and his rapid digital e-commerce growth and modernized the restaurant chain’s drive-thru and back-of-house operations to increase sales and streamline its retail process. Before his employment at El Pollo Loco, Acoca worked at Starbucks for seven years as a member of the company’s management team. He served as president of Teavana and senior vice president of the Marketing & Category for the Americas. As senior vice president of the Marketing & Category for the Americas, Acoca controlled and handled categories adding to $9 billion in sales.
Acoca also worked as the chief marketing officer for the Americas at L’Oreal and served at Yum! Brands for ten years. The Zaxby’s CEO is passionate about leadership and devoted to introducing corporate culture and values to Zaxby’s, ensuring the business remains consistent with its values. He also acknowledged the efforts of Zach McLeroy. Acoca further expressed how he admires what McLeroy has done with the company since its inception, stating that it is a privilege to succeed McLeroy as Zaxby’s CEO.
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More about Acoca on https://www.ajc.com/news/business/zaxbys-ceo-who-sold-drum-set-to-start-georgia-chain-drops-back/USB4LAUULFFONEGEJ4XRDQRHEE/