Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG) has appointed RJ Thomas as president of the Cypress-based restaurant operator.
Chief Executive Mike Johnson, who was promoted from chief operating officer to replace former CEO Randy Sharpe in April, now reports to Thomas.
XRG, backed by ZCG Private Equity, counts 12 restaurant brands in its portfolio including Acapulco, Chevys Fresh Mex, El Torito, Las Brisas, and SOL Cocina.
Thomas arrives with 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He was most recently president and COO of Uncle Julio’s Corp. overseeing 45 locations. Previously, Thomas spent 12 years at Costa Mesa-based King’s Seafood Co. as president and COO and before climbing ranks to vice president of operations at Claim Jumper Restaurants.
“His depth of experience and focus on innovation make him uniquely qualified to drive XRG’s continued growth, strengthen our iconic brands, and set up the company for long-term success,” ZCG Founder and CEO James Zenni said in a statement.
XRG, the 12th largest restaurant company based in Orange County ranked by sales, operates over 60 locations with 4,000 employees and reports serving more than 10 million guests annually.
