El Pollo Loco has appointed Maria Hollandsworth as the restaurant chain’s new chief operating officer, starting on Oct. 31.
Hollandsworth was previously the regional vice president of operations at Dunkin’ of Inspire Brands Inc., responsible for creating market plans with franchisees.
She also spent around 20 years at San Diego’s Jack in the Box holding leadership roles in strategic initiatives and operations services.
“[Hollandsworth’s] expertise in driving operational excellence, as well as her deep knowledge of franchisee relations and management, will be paramount as we strive to accelerate the growth of the EL Pollo Loco brand through our asset light strategy,” Chief Executive Larry Roberts said in a statement of her 30-plus year career in the industry.
Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) has a current market cap of $417 million and is Orange County’s fifth-largest locally-based restaurant chain determined by sales.
