Taco Cabana taps Todd Coerver for Chief Operating Officer position

Retooled brand prepares for growth

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Oct 01, 2012, 02:34 ET

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of Taco Cabana, named Todd Coerver Chief Operating Officer for Taco Cabana, effective January 2013. Coerver, who joined Taco Cabana in 2009 as Chief Brand Officer, succeeds retiring Mike Biviano, who served as COO and executive vice president of the company.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121001/DA84364)

Before joining Taco Cabana, Coerver served as Vice President of Marketing & Innovation for Whataburger. During his fifteen year tenure at the iconic regional burger chain, he also held leadership positions in Operations Services, Training and Communications, that produced 52 consecutive quarters of same-store sales increases. Prior to that, he was in account management on the Smirnoff Vodka and Rolling Rock Beer promotional accounts at The Marketing Continuum, Inc., a Dallas-based agency.

"Todd's skill-set lends itself perfectly to the needs of Taco Cabana today," said Tim Taft, President and CEO of Fiesta Restaurant Group. "He and his team will be focused on the continued evolution and growth of the brand and I have total confidence in his leadership abilities."

"We have been working hard the last few years to position Taco Cabana for the future and I'm excited about where we are," said Coerver. "We have a well-defined and differentiated brand strategy as well as an appealing value proposition. With our system wide remodeling efforts wrapping up in 2013 and our continued focus on operational excellence, this company and dedicated team are well positioned for growth."

About Taco Cabana:

Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio in 1978, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect its rich Mexican culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. Taco Cabana is committed to providing its guests the true flavors of Mexico, served up in a relaxing, patio cafe environment. From the daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to the flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing tequila margaritas, Taco Cabana's commitment to quality lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands in the region. Become a fan of Taco Cabana on Facebook or follow the company on Twitter. For more information, visit www.tacocabana.com.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc:

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. owns, operates and franchises the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands with 250 company-owned and operated restaurants and 41 franchised restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Ecuador,

Honduras, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and Venezuela as of September 1, 2012. The brands specialize in the operation of fast-casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with a broad appeal at a compelling value. Both brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, and drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. visit our corporate website at www.frgi.com.

SOURCE Taco Cabana