Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., Intensifies Focus on To-Go and Catering

Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical parent names first corporate director of off-premise consumption

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., Intensifies Focus on To-Go and Catering
Willie Romeo

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRGI), which operates the fast-casual dining chains Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, has set a goal to double its current off-premise business over the next 10 years, and has named Willie Romeo its first corporate director of off-premise consumption.

Romeo was elevated to his new position from his previous role as Pollo Tropical’s director of franchise operations. Prior to joining the company, the restaurant industry veteran served in top franchise and operations roles at Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., and Burger King Corporation. He will report directly to Fiesta President and CEO Tim Taft.

“Willie has done a remarkable job unifying our domestic and international franchise partners by aligning them with our corporate initiatives, and he has a unique skill set that will serve him well in this new position,” said Taft. “We have an aggressive goal to double our off-premise business, and he has a disciplined approach and can work across functions within our organization to lead us in achieving it.”

Romeo will focus on all aspects of the brands’ off-premise business, including to-go, online ordering, catering, drive-thru and mobile app orders.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., Intensifies Focus on To-Go and Catering“Our off-premise business represents tremendous growth opportunity for this company,” said Romeo. “The creation of this new position represents the company’s commitment to being best in category for off-premise dining, and with Tim’s leadership, we have the vision and drive to get there.”

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical, Taco Cabana and Cabana Grill restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast-casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.